Potato farmers in Welimada held a protest calling on the government to halt potato imports in order to create market space for locally produced crop. The demonstration was organised by the All-Island Potato Farmers Association and took place in front of the Keppetipola Dedicated Economic Centre.
Farmers from Boralanda and Welimada gathered at the Kappetipola state bus depot with placards and banners before marching toward the economic centre. In protest, they did not deliver their potatoes to the market despite the centre being open. Farmers from other areas supplied different vegetables, but merchants said they were unable to secure the volumes they needed.
During the protest, farmers chanted slogans including "Ministers are sleeping" and called on the president to take over the agriculture ministry.
When the group attempted to enter the economic centre for a second time, Welimada Police OIC, Chief Inspector Sampath Abeywickrema, instructed organisers to remain outside the facility and avoid blocking the road. He also directed the farmers to conclude the protest before 12 pm due to advanced-level exams scheduled at that time.
The growers' message centred on limiting imports to support domestic potato production and ensure market access for local supply.
Source: The Sunday Times
