Former Secretary to the Agriculture Ministry, Prof. Uditha K. Jayasinghe, who was axed from the post on Wednesday (22), hinted the reason behind his removal could be his educating people about a possible food crisis in the country next year.
Prof. Jayasinghe was removed from the post, days after warning about a possible food shortage in the coming year.
He once again raised concerns over the matter, speaking to the media today (23), adding that he is yet to be given a reason for his removal.
“Therefore, I do not know the exact reason as to why I was removed from the post. Also, I have not been informed about it officially as well,” he added.
“Everyone who has knowledge on the subject can understand that if the current situation in the country continues, a food shortage in the coming year is inevitable. We have to show the actual situation, so preparations could be made to avoid a food shortage. That was what I did in a simple manner. Policies of the Government cannot be violated by doing so,” he pointed out.
Speaking further, Prof. Jayasinghe said, “I have done research about the subject for several decades. If we cannot make a prediction after studying current data, what is the point of us having education about the subject for 30 years? The truth can hurt sometimes for those who try to hide the facts. But this is the reality. It is useless if we cannot inform the real situation to the public. The President also has instructed me that it is my responsibility to educate people. That was what I did.”
Moreover, Prof. Jayasinghe said he is sad about losing the post.
“It does not mean that I am wailing over losing the post. It is okay to lose the post if people are educated. I am sad because I sacrificed my expertise, time and efforts to do something good during the past few months. I did not even get a salary for the post. So I am sad about that,” he said.
ceylontoday
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