Farmers across Sri Lanka's agricultural regions, including Welimada, Uva Paranagama, and Nuwara Eliya, suspended their cultivation activities today (10) in protest against the government’s disregard for the farming community in the 2026 Budget.
The protest that was organized by several farmers’ organizations under the banner of Voice of the Farmers of the Country saw large groups rallying in Keppetipola town this morning.
They accused the government of failing to offer viable solutions to their ongoing grievances and of ignoring the pressing needs of the agricultural sector in the latest national budget.
According to farmers, despite the ongoing potato and onion harvesting season, they continue to struggle due to the lack of a fair market price for their produce.
Many also condemned the government’s decision to permit imports of potatoes and onions during the local harvest period, a move they claim has left local cultivators “destitute” and unable to compete.
Protest leaders said that the budget’s failure to address core agricultural challenges such as price stabilization, import control, and rural infrastructure has exacerbated the crisis faced by farming communities.
With trade union action now in effect, farmer groups warned that agricultural output could be severely affected if authorities continue to overlook their demands.
They called on the government to prioritize the agriculture sector and ensure sustainable policies that safeguard local producers and the nation’s food security.
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