A group of farmers block the A – 5 roadway, staging a protest, demanding compensation for drought

Residents of Ambanpola staged a protest this morning against several issues including compensation for families impacted by the drought.

Our correspondent stated that the protestors handed over petitions to the Ambanpola Agrarian Services Office, Water Supply Office and the Divisional Secretariat.

He also said that traffic on the A57 Colombo Anuradhapura road via Ella was blocked due to the protest.

In addition prevailing drought conditions have affected the livestock farmers in Kantale.

Our correspondent stated that 30 thousand families that depend on livestock industries have been impacted by the drought.

Meanwhile, national organizer of the All Ceylon Farmers Federation Namal Karunarathna said that compensation promised by the government should be paid within the next two weeks.

He was speaking at a media conference held at Dambulla this morning.