Sri Lanka was primarily an agricultural country and it could never be developed without developing the agricultural sector, common opposition presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday.
Addressing a propaganda rally held in Wellawaya, Sirisena said that there was no use of any other development projects for the sustainable economic development without diverting funds to improve the country’s agricultural sector to make the country self-sufficient in food.
“Today under the Rajapaksa regime, the country imported even vegetables and fruits. The government has no concern for the economic situation and the lives of farmers. They have so far failed to ban agrochemicals poisonous to people. The end result is that a large number of farmers are becoming victims of the chronic kidney disease. One of the major problems we are confronted with today in finding a solution to the problem as to how we can save the lives of farmers who are suffering from the CKD is the non-stop import of toxic agro-chemicals. Incumbent President Rajapaksa did nothing to find a solution to that problem. His government has no concern for thousands of lives of farmers, but is only concerned about monies received from the multi-national corporations. The Rajapaksa administration did nothing to rescue the lives of farmers from the misery,” Sirisena said.
He said after Mahinda Rajapaksa became the President in 2005, Gen. Sarath Fonseka led the war to a victorious end. “Mahinda Rajapaksa’s only concern was how to become a king. “He tries to emulate kings and appointed Yuvarajas (the king’s chosen heirs) from his own family. They took the public service and tri-forces under their command. President Rajapaksa has done nothing for the poor families numbering over three million. He now distributes various things among the poor to get their votes,” Sirisena said.
The common opposition presidential candidate alleged there were five ministers in the cabinet who have casino licences. “They try to destroy the country in the name of developing tourism. After January 08 election we will stop these forces and lead the country in a new way towards advancement by developing agriculture and other industries,” Sirisena added.
Courtesy:The Island