President Maithripala Sirisena's government, which came to power with a pledge to limit state expenditure, is spending nearly 31 million rupees for a 'Farmers' Conference' held today at BMICH.

The conference, organized by the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resource Management, the conference is held to discuss the 'Nation without Poison and Overcome Kidney Disease' programme.

The estimated expenditure stands at Rs. 30.8 million. Rs 8 million is allocated for lighting, sounds, backdrop s and LED decorations and Rs. 7.5 million is allocated for transport of farmers. Furthermore, Rs. 6 million is allocated for meals. Another Rs 4 million has been allocated for distribution of bags with litha and souvenirs.

However, a similar program was also held by the Agriculture Ministry last month.