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Prof. Vitarana says re-streamlining co-op movement the only way to save farmers from middlemen
By Saman Indrajith
LSSP leader Prof. Tissa Vitarana said that re-streamlining the cooperative movement is the only way to save farmers from middlemen who prevent both producers and consumers from enjoying decent prices in the market.
Participating in the third reading stage debate on budget 2021, MP Vitarana said that middlemen and miller mafia have become the bane of farmers.
“The middlemen and miller mafia get the farmers into a debt trap and buy their produce at prices they determine. If the cooperative system was strong, it could have purchased the produce of farmers at a decent price. That would also make way for the consumers to buy at a lower price. Re-streamlining the cooperative movement would be the solution to this,” he said.
“I was the Governor of the North Central Province during the first quarter of this year. It is an area known for its centuries-old irrigated agriculture. More than 65 percent of the people in the province depend on basic agriculture and agro- based industries. The province has immense potential for investors to start their businesses, especially in the agriculture, agro-based industries and livestock sectors. But I was sad to notice that malnutrition was prevailing in the province so badly”, he noted.
Prof. Vitarana further said: “As per the latest statistics, the province’s malnutrition was at 12.5 percent. One in every eight persons was suffering from malnutrition which was high among farmer families. I visited villages in the province and made inquiries. The villagers told me that they do not get the due price for their paddy. Owing to the debts, they had been compelled to sell to the middlemen and miller mafia.
“During the times of the Yahapalana government, their other sources of income also dried up. Two companies have got hold of controlling cattle farmers. Those who engaged in sand mining and brick manufacturing too have lost their incomes. I found that most of the families in the province have only one meal a day.
“The LSSP has an Agriculture Committee headed by Dr. Lionel Weerakoon, who was the former Director, Research of the Agriculture Department. We conducted a thorough research with him and researchers of the University of Rajarata, Mahailluppalama Field Crop Research and Development Institute and officials from the Mahaweli, Agriculture Department, Agrarian Services Board, Irrigation Department and the provincial council. Thereafter we conducted two seminars and a workshop for all stakeholders.
“The research and the subsequent events helped us identify the reasons for the sorry situation prevailing and the solutions for them as well. I table the report of the findings. It was found that there is a mismatch between the crops the farmers cultivate and the potential of the soil, sunlight and climate in the area. That should be optimized to get a better harvest. The province with an immense potential produces only five percent of the GDP.
“Distribution of lands was haphazardly done so they are occupied by various departments and ministries without contributing towards their development. The distribution of lands, optimization of crops and other agrarian services should be done in a scientific and composite manner. The produce of farmers should be value added. While I was the minister of Science and Technology, I promoted the setting up of Vidatha Centers for this purpose. But when I inquired from these officials, I found that they cannot operate to optimum levels as funds allocated to the centers have been reduced gradually during recent times.
“These issues should be addressed to help the farmers to get out of their present plight. Even after that is done, the farmers would not be able to raise their heads till they are hooked by scrupulous elements of the miller mafia. There are regional banks who could obtain loans at seven percent interest from the central bank and serve the people in the province, but they were not aware of it. The cooperative system should be reintroduced to help save the farmers and consumers from the middlemen and miller mafia”.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
