Minister of Agriculture K. D. Lal Kantha has slammed two private media institutions, alleging that they deliberately focus on distorting statements made by government representatives rather than accurately reporting national-level policy decisions. Addressing a public event, Minister Lal Kantha criticised the conduct of the two media institutions, likening their approach to thuggish behaviour and accusing them of repeatedly misrepresenting his remarks. His comments came in response to media criticism of his recent statement that Sri Lanka does not need to expand the existing land area used for paddy cultivation. The Minister maintained that his position was based on scientific assessments, claiming that the two media institutions had instead portrayed his remarks as unreasonable and directed criticism at him, the Ministry Secretary and the government. He alleged that the institutions were more interested in distorting statements than understanding the country’s agricultural requirements and national-level priorities. Lal Kantha further claimed that the public had become increasingly aware of the reporting practices of the two institutions, making disparaging references to how they were perceived by viewers. Defending his position on paddy cultivation, the Minister reiterated that there was no scientific requirement to bring additional land under paddy cultivation, adding that the Ministry Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Paddy Marketing Board could substantiate his remarks. He also asserted that Sri Lanka was currently self-sufficient in rice and had no requirement to import rice from other countries. The Minister said his attention was now focused on exploring new initiatives relating to rice production rather than expanding the extent of land used for cultivation. He further stated that he would not be influenced by remarks made by certain farmer groups, whom he accused of pursuing their own agendas, emphasising that agricultural policy decisions would be guided by scientific considerations. (Newswire)
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