We Will Take the Issues of Chena Cultivators to Parliament; Sajith

02-Sep-2025

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Opposition Leader in Sri Lanka's parliament Sajith Premadasa has pledged to bring the issues of chena cultivation farmers to the attention of Parliament.

Speaking at a discussion held on August 31 in the Kottiyagala 99 Santhip area of Monaragala District regarding farmers’ land disputes, Premadasa said:

“Farmers are not asking for subsidies or financial assistance. What they demand is legal ownership of the land they have been cultivating for decades. I will raise these issues in Parliament.

Between 5,000 and 6,000 families have been cultivating maize, watermelon, and okra for decades across 25,000 acres of land. They are seeking rightful ownership of these chena cultivation lands.

Although these farmers are fighting for their right to live, their livelihood, and their right to farm, today those rights are being denied. When such issues are presented to ruling party ministers, they provide absurd responses, claiming the matters must be resolved through district development committees.

For generations, these people have farmed independently without burdening the government, yet today they are being pushed into poverty due to the lack of solutions.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya will stand with these farmers in securing their rights, and we will raise our voice as strongly as possible in a democratic manner.”