The Jana Aragala Citizens Organization, comprising sugarcane farmers, factory workers, tractor drivers, and other concerned individuals, staged a satyagraha today (30) in front of the Sevanagala Sugar Factory. The protest was held to demand immediate payment of outstanding dues owed to sugarcane farmers and suppliers by the Control Authority.
Addressing the gathering, General Secretary of the Jana Aragala Citizens Organization, Chanaka Bandara Gunathilaka, warned that a large-scale struggle would be launched if the government fails to take prompt action to settle the payments.
Participants of the peaceful satyagraha raised strong slogans, including:
“Remove the 18% VAT,”
“Sugarcane farmers are in danger,”
“Protect the sugar industry,”
“Implement a national program to safeguard local sugar,” and
“Stop ethanol production from corn.”
The protest highlighted the growing frustration among stakeholders in the sugar industry, who demand fair treatment, timely payments, and sustainable policies to protect local agriculture.
