Food shortage : Former Agriculture secretary speaks about his sudden removal
Former Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture Prof. Uditha K. Jayasinghe has said that he’s still not aware of the exact reason why he was removed from the post of Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture.
He reiterated that he still stands by his previous statement regarding an imminent food shortage in the country.Prof. Jayasinghe also said that he believed there was no charge of fraud, corruption or bribery against him and the reason for his abrupt removal from the position is still unclear to him.
He further added that he was not informed formally in writing about his removal from the post of secretary to ministry of agriculture, but Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundara directed a letter to him regarding the appointment of a new secretary.
He said that he was only informed via phone by a assistant director of the Presidential secretariat about his removal from the position.
He went on to say that by observing the state of cultivation lands in the country, his statement regarding an imminent food shortage in the country is not a controversial one and it can only be a controversial statement for anyone who does not have an understanding about the agriculture sector or someone who wants to hide the fact from the public.
“It doesn’t matter. At least the Public are aware now. When I heard I lost my job, I lost my position of Secretary. Yes I am worried about that, but it’s not like I’m lamenting over it, but definitely as a human being there is some regret” he said replying to a question raised by a reporter.
“I have been putting all my effort and knowledge in the past months not expecting a cent or to defraud anyone. I didn’t even get my salary of Rs. 50,000. Therefore, there is some regret in losing my job. However, if someone else is benefited when I’m stepping down, that’s enough for me” he said. )