Farmers permitted to carry on traditional cultivation until issues resolved

COLOMBO: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said permission will be granted to farmers to engage in their traditional cultivation activities continuously without any disruption until related issues are resolved.

President arrived at this decision focusing on  issues fervently raised by the farmers who attended the 6th in the series of program“Discussion with the Village.”

Officials of Wildlife, Forest Conservation, Environment, Police and other institutions were instructed by the President not to disturb with traditional cultivation activities.

However, the president emphasized that no one is allowed to clear forests newly for cultivation purposes.

Polonnaruwa is one of the districts severely affected by the threat posed by wild elephants.

The president instructed relevant parties to understand correctly the problem faced by the people for a long time and to commence construction of both trenches and electric fences as a permanent solution.

People gathered highlighted the disruption caused to the education of students due to the development work being stalled in many schools in the district.

Paying attention to the matter, President Rajapaksa directed authorities to expedite the completion of all development work at schools in the island.

These decisions were taken by the President at the “Discussion with the Village” programme held in Wedikachchiya village in Medirigiriya in the Polonnaruwa district.

This marks the 6th of the series of program attended by the President.

The program commenced on Sept. 25 from Badulla district.

Five programs have so far been organized covering Matale, Ratnapura, Anuradhapura and Ampara districts.