Sunday Times E-Paper

More to come, ‘pulse of the people’ acts from the politicians

Soon after the pandemic hit the country resulting in longstanding lockdowns amidst disruptions in the supply chain, many felt the need to become self-sufficient when it comes to food and engaged in home gardening, and others in direct farming.

The latest to join the vocation of some f our million Sri Lankans is Spokesperson of Tamil National Alliance ( TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran. Last week he was at his ancestral paddyland Kandawalai, Kilinochchi to cultivate his three-acre land plot.

The learned lawyer was well prepared with a traditional plough and other tools. With the support of some veteran farmers in the region, he commenced the Maha season/ Perumpokam.

Responding to criticisms saying the move was a publicity stunt, Mr Sumanthiran said he just wanted to try his hand at farming and gain some firsthand experience as farmers are facing many difficulties due to the chemical fertiliser ban.

He was not alone. Another Tamil MP from Batticaloa Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan also was seen engaging in farming in his paddy land plot.

His supporters said that Mr Chandrakanthan is planning to resign from the MP post and contest the upcoming PC polls as well. With elections around the corner, there could be many such ' pulse of the people' acts from the politicians.

NEWS

en-lk

2021-10-17T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-17T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytimes.pressreader.com/article/281655373264594

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