Former Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera stated today (24) in Hambantota that he lacked the authority to implement necessary measures during his tenure and asserted that, had he possessed such authority, he would have handled matters properly.
The Minister explained that some officials within the Ministry of Finance disregarded his directives and even those of the President, which hindered timely funding for purchasing paddy.
He further commented on the situation, saying:
“Now, the Ministry of Agriculture is under someone with the authority—the President. If I had been empowered, I would have managed the situation effectively. I was not given that control, and certain officials in charge of the department maintained close ties with rice traders.
This mismanagement ultimately reflects poorly on ministers. If I had authority over these officials… but I did not. I wasn’t the Minister of Finance, nor did I release funds to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. However, when the issue intensified, the funds were provided after his intervention.”
