Ministries Failed to Address Farmers’ Problems – MP Dayasiri Jayasekara

13-Nov-2025

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Ministers have failed to resolve the problems faced by onion and potato farmers. 

Therefore, the President should dismiss the respective ministers and assume their powers, said MP Dayasiri Jayasekara of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, noting that farmers have now launched protests.

He made these remarks while raising a matter of privilege during the Parliamentary session on 11 November 2025.

He pointed out that according to the code of conduct for Members of Parliament, all MPs should act in the national and public interest while exercising their powers and performing their duties.

However, for the past several days, onion and potato farmers have been demonstrating on the streets as economic centres remain inactive and devoid of goods.

The farmers have demanded the resignation of the Minister and State Minister of Agriculture, as well as the Minister of Trade, and called upon the President to assume their powers. 

“Because of the ministers’ negligence, farmers have taken to the streets,” he said, questioning what plan the government has to ensure fair prices for onion and potato farmers.

Responding, Government Chief Whip Nalinda Jayatissa said that Parliament was currently debating economic matters and that this issue could be raised during committee stage, where the ministers would respond. 

He added that while the government is always ready to respond to urgent issues, some are acting merely to draw media attention and disrupt parliamentary proceedings.