{"id":119656,"date":"2021-10-27T16:53:19","date_gmt":"2021-10-27T23:53:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=119656"},"modified":"2021-10-27T16:53:19","modified_gmt":"2021-10-27T23:53:19","slug":"overcoming-the-current-agriculture-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2021\/10\/27\/overcoming-the-current-agriculture-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Overcoming the Current Agriculture Crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"

A group of university professors, lecturers, and senior officials in the field of agriculture<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n

25th<\/sup> October, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prof. Udith K. Jayasinghe-Mudalige<\/strong>
Secretary<\/strong>
Ministry of\u00a0 Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear Sir,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overcoming\nthe Current Agriculture Crisis <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We, as a senior group of agricultural\nresearchers and academia, would be pleased to propose a course of action, which\nshould be consistent with the Government\u2019s vision for a healthy and green\nagriculture. We willingly became signatories to this letter  to propose solutions acceptable to all\nparties including the farmers, the majority of whom are relentlessly and\nadamantly demanding to continue with conventional agriculture as they know it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will appreciate that pursuing a\ngoal of converting the country\u2019s agriculture to 100% organic within a season or\ntwo is impossible as evident from the recent happenings and farmers\u2019 revolt\ndemanding for fertilizer and pesticides. We must note that the situation has\nbeen aggravated owing to the delays to meet the demand by way of organic and\/or\nsynthetic  chemical inputs in the requisite\nquantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While accepting the fact that His\nExcellency the President is not an expert in agriculture, but his vision for a\ntoxin-free nation should be appreciated. Unfortunately, however, his advisors\nhave not only failed to succinctly provide the requisite advice but also a\nstrategy and a viable action plan at the ground level towards a \u2019healthy\nagriculture\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 It is also evident from recent discourses that\nsome of his close advisors are highly biased and ignorant of vital facts\nrelating to our agriculture. At the same time, many senior officers appear to\nbe non-committal and adopting a \u2018save the skin\u2019 attitude, virtually saying yes\nto everything to please the President.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking into account\nexperiences of other countries’ achievements in promoting organic farming and\nthe intrinsic potential of organic farming with the related current\ntechnologies, we would like to propose a course of action in agriculture that\nis consistent with the vision of the government and at the same time acceptable\nto farmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this regard we  seek an audience with HE the President, and\nshall be pleased if you could arrange it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anticipating a favourable response\nfrom you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yours\ntruly,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n  <\/strong>\n <\/td>\n Name<\/strong>\n <\/td>\n Designation<\/strong>\n <\/td>\n University<\/strong>\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. D.K. N.G.\n Pushpakumara\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. W.A.J.M. De\n Costa\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Devika M.\n De Costa\n <\/td>\n Professor \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Buddhi\n Marambe\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Saman\n Dharmakeerthi\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. K.K.I.U.\n Arunakumara\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Nalika\n Ranathunge \n <\/td>\n Professor \n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Nilantha\n Lakshman\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. R.M.C.P.\n Rajapaksha\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Warshi Dandeniya\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Mojith\n Ariyarathna\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Pradeep\n Gajanayake\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Sri Jayewardenepura\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Guttila\n Yugantha Jayasinghe\n <\/td>\n Professor\n \n  \n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Ganganee\n Chandima Samaraweera \n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. G.\n Thirukkumaran \n <\/td>\n Professor \n <\/td>\n University of\n Jaffna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. W.M.W.\n Weerakoon\n <\/td>\n Former DG of\n Agriculture\n <\/td>\n Department of\n Agriculture\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Jeevika Weerahewa\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr.  H.M. Gunatillake\n <\/td>\n Former\n Director, Environment And Safeguards Division\n <\/td>\n Asian\n Development Bank, Philippines\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Anurudda\n Karunarathna\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Chammi Attanayake\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. B.C.\n Walpola\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. W.A.U.\n Vitharana\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Parakrama\n Waidyanatha\n <\/td>\n Former Chairman\n <\/td>\n Coconut\n Research Board\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. Ajith Silva\n <\/td>\n Former\n Additional Secretary\n <\/td>\n Ministry of\n Environment\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. E.R.J.\n Samarakoon\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Samantha\n Dissanayaka\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Nuwan De\n Silva \n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Pradeepa\n Korale-Gedara\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Prasad\n Neelawala \n <\/td>\n Senior  Lecturer \n <\/td>\n Uva Wellassa\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. W.M.M.P.\n Hulugalla\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. P.R.M.K.\n Fernando\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. J.M.\n Seneviratne\n <\/td>\n Former Director\n <\/td>\n Export\n Agricultural Research Station\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Sarath P.\n Nissanka\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. S. A.\n Arunapriya\n <\/td>\n Former Addl.\n Secretary\n <\/td>\n Ministry of\n Agriculture\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Venura\n Herath\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Pradeepa\n Silva\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Avanthi\n Igalavithana\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. S.\n Wijetunga\n <\/td>\n Professor \n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. E. M. G. P.\n Hemachandra \n <\/td>\n Lecturer \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Indunil\n Pathirana\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. H.B.P. Sandani\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n The Open\n University of Sri Lanka\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. V. N. S.\n Sirimalwatta \n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. W.N.U.\n Perera\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. Sandaruwan\n Subasinghe\n <\/td>\n Lecturer \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Jinendra S\n Balasuriya\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. WGD\n Lakmini\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof.\n Deshapriya Rathnayaka\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Gayathri\n Beligala\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Gampaha\n Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. P.P.\n Ruwanpathirana\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. A.A.M. Subodinee\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. A.L.\n Sandika\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. A. M. Y. W.\n Alahakoon\n <\/td>\n Lecturer \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Suranga\n Kodithuwakku \n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. W.C.S. M. Abeysekara\n \n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. W.T.V.\n Thathsaranee\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Sarath\n Weerasena \n <\/td>\n Former DGA\n <\/td>\n Department of\n Agriculture\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. L.M.J.N.K. Disanayaka\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. P.V.S. Harshana\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. A.R.S.B.\n Athauda\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. R.M.\n Fonseka\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. U. I.\n Samarawickrama\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. S.S.\n Kodithuwakku\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. J.K.\n Vidanarachchi\n <\/td>\n Professor \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. L.M.\n Abeywickrama\n <\/td>\n Senior Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. G.W.A.R.\n Fernando\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Professor\n <\/td>\n The Open\n University of Sri Lanka\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. R.A.A.S. Rathnayaka\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Rajarata\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. N.S.\n Abeysingha \n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n \n <\/td>\n Rajarata\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. Sanduni\n Rathnayake\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n \n  \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Lanka\n Ranawake\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. K.P.P.\n Kopiyawattage\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Rajarata\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. D.N. Vidana\n Gamage\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. M.B.P.  Kumara Mahipala \n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Paredeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. N.T.B.\n Madusankha\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Gampaha\n Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. S.\n Subasinghe\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. P. C.\n Arampath \n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Priyantha\n Weerasinghe\n <\/td>\n Former\n Principal Scientist\n <\/td>\n Horticulture\n Crops Research and Development Institute, Department of Agriculture\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. G.\n Thirukkumaran \n <\/td>\n Professor \n <\/td>\n University of\n Jaffna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Sumith\n Abeysiriwardena\n <\/td>\n Former director\n <\/td>\n Rice Research\n and Development Institute of the Dept. of Agriculture\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. B.L.W.K.\n Balasooriya\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Wayamba\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. D.M.D.\n Dissanayake\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Rajarata\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. N.Y. Hirimuthugoda\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. S.A.C.N.\n Perera\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. P.E.\n Kaliyadasa\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Uva Wellassa\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. P.C.D.\n Perera\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. R.P.N.P.\n Rajapakse\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. W.M.T.P.\n Ariyaratne\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. B.E.P.\n Mendis\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Dimanthi\n Jayatilake \n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Chandima\n Gajaweera\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. W.E.M.L.J. Ekanayake\n \n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. Saman Warusawithana\n <\/td>\n Immediate past President \n <\/td>\n Organization of Professional Association (OPA)\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Aruni\n Wickramarathna\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Chamila\n Wijekoon\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof.\n H.M.I.K Herath\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n Wayamba\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr.\n H.K.B.S. Chamara\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University\n of Sri Jayewardenepura\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms.\n P.D.B.J. Palihakkara\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University\n of Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof.\n P. I. P. Perera\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n Wayamba\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof.\n Chalinda Beneragama\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University\n of Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof.\n B. C. Jayawardhana \n <\/td>\n Professor \n <\/td>\n University\n of Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr.\n N.U. Jayawardana\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University\n of Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr.\n F.H.C.A. Silva\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University\n of Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms.\n D.M.M.R. Dissanayake\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University\n of Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof.\n K.L. Wasantha Kumara\n <\/td>\n Senior\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University\n of Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Parakrama\n Weligamage \n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. K.\n Prasannath\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Eastern\n University Sri Lanka\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. H.U. Warnakulasooriya\n <\/td>\n Former\n Additional Director (retired)\n <\/td>\n Department of\n Agriculture\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Thalata\n Ratnayake\n <\/td>\n Former\n Additional Director General\n <\/td>\n Department of\n Animal Production & Health\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. V.N.D.\n Bulathsinhalage \n <\/td>\n Lecturer \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. P.G.A.S.\n Warnasooriya\n <\/td>\n Lecturer \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. K.P.P.\n Udayagee\n <\/td>\n Lecturer \n <\/td>\n University of\n Sri Jayewardenepura\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. M. P.\n Dhanapala\n <\/td>\n Director\/RRDI\n <\/td>\n Dept.\n Agriculture\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. R.M.S.\n Wijerathna\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. S. N.\n Dissanayake\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Rajarata\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. W.V.V.R.\n Weerasingha\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Rajarata\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Lasanthi\n Jayathunge\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Sri Jayewardenepura\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. NMNK\n Narayana\n <\/td>\n Associate\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Ruhuna\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Meththika\n Vithanage\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n University of\n Sri Jayewardenepura\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. R. F.\n Niranjana\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Eastern\n University Sri Lanka\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. N.\n Kottearachchi \n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n Wayamba\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. A.G.A.W.\n Alakolanga\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Uva Wellassa\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. E.D.N.S.\n Abeyrathne\n <\/td>\n Professor \n <\/td>\n Uva Wellassa\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Deshani C.\n Mudannayake\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Uva Wellassa\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr T.\n Geretharan\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Eastern University,\n Sri Lanka\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. Kapila\n Dissanayaka \n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n Sabaragamuwa\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Ruvini\n Abhayapala\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Sri  Jayewardenepura\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. A.W.\n Wijeratne\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n Sabaragamuwa\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. G.D.K.\n Kapila Kumara\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Sabaragamuwa\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. G.G.\n Sikurajapathy\n <\/td>\n Director\n Seed &\n Planting Materials\n <\/td>\n Dept  of Agricultures\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. H.S.R.\n Rosairo\n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n Sabaragamuwa\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Prof. M.L.M.C.\n Dissanayake\n \n  \n <\/td>\n Professor\n <\/td>\n Sabaragamuwa\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. A.D. Ampitiyawatta\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Sabaragamuwa\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Geeshani\n Somaratne\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Prasad\n Mahindarathne\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Uva Wellassa\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. Gayathri\n Rathnayake \n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Uva Wellassa\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. K. Pakeerathan\n \n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n \n <\/td>\n University of\n Jaffna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Mr. G. Asharp\n Sharmec \n <\/td>\n Lecturer \n <\/td>\n University of\n Jaffna \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. E. A. L\n Lochana \n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Uva Wellassa\n University \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Ms. A.B.P.\n Bandara\n <\/td>\n Lecturer \n <\/td>\n University of\n Peradeniya\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. M.W.A.C.S. Wijetunga\n <\/td>\n Senior Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Uva WEllassa\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n G. Abhiram\n <\/td>\n Lecturer\n <\/td>\n Uva Wellassa\n University\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n  \n <\/td>\n Dr. Aruna\n Wijesooriya\n <\/td>\n Former Director\n <\/td>\n Sugarcane\n Research Institute\n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A group of university professors, lecturers, and senior officials in the field of agriculture 25th October, 2021 Prof. Udith K. Jayasinghe-MudaligeSecretaryMinistry of\u00a0 Agriculture Dear Sir, Overcoming the Current Agriculture Crisis We, as a senior group of agricultural researchers and academia, would be pleased to propose a course of action, which should be consistent with the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[160,176],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119656","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-agriculture","category-chemical-fertilizer-ban"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119656"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119656\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}