Effigies burnt to hamper organic fertiliser drive – prelate

Prof Peiris says regardless of differences constituents should abide by govt. decision

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris says in spite of difference in opinion as regards contentious matters constituents of the government should abide by decisions taken collectively.

Prof. Peiris said so after having met the Chief prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratne thero and Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala thero, respectively, on Saturday (6).

SLPP National List lawmaker who is also the Chairman of the ruling SLPP was referring to a simmering crisis caused by several constituent parties over cabinet decision to finalize agreement with New Fortress Energy. Several political parties, including the SLFP, the second largest group in the government, have demanded that it be rescinded. The same group took a stand contrary to that of the SLPP on several issues, including the Indian and Japanese investment in the East Container Terminal (ECT).

Prof. Peiris emphasized the responsibility on the part of the government to take a common stand regardless of problems and disputes. Referring to his recent visit to the UK, Minister Peiris said that Sri Lanka could attract significant investments from there.

A statement issued by the Foreign Minister’s Office quoted Most Ven. Madagama Dhammananada thero, Registrar of Asgiriya Chapter as having told Prof Peiris that the farmers weren’t used to set fire to effigies of people. The monk was referring to continuing protests in various parts of the country demanding that farmers be given agrochemicals required for the Maha season. Ven. Medagama Thero said that the protests where effigies were set on fire seemed to be part of an overall campaign to undermine the government’s efforts to encourage farmers to use carbonic fertiliser.

The Minister’s Office also quoted, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana as having appreciated the government’s decision to do away with agro chemicals.

Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Thero has underscored the need and the responsibility on the part of the government to rectify shortcomings. The Thero has said that the same mistakes, shortcomings and failures shouldn’t happen in the remaining three years of the SLPP-led government’s parliamentary term. The monk has alleged that some political parties exploited the decision to do away with agrochemicals to enhance their influence. The thero also criticised those who acted as if the global epidemic Covid-19 was not an issue that affected Sri Lanka as well. (SF)