Sri Lanka, Aug. 4 -- Opposition MP and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa called on the government to immediately provide a fair price for paddy farmers' harvests, claiming that farmers face increasing hardships while the cost of living continues to rise.

In a statement issued on August 1, Rajapaksa alleged that the government failed to address farmers' concerns over paddy prices, fertiliser availability, and rice imports.

He said farmers demand a price of Rs. 140 per kilogram of paddy and accused the government of failing to honour promises made before the election regarding guaranteed purchase prices.

Rajapaksa also claimed that farmers face intimidation for demanding higher prices and criticised th...