Former President and SLFP Chairman Maithripala Sirisena has said that he too will not be able to go to Polonnaruwa in the future due to the difficulties faced by farmers due to the lack of fertilizer.

The former President described the currnet situation as the "biggest tragedy" confronting the agriculture sector in the recent history.

"I do not know if I will be able to go to Polonnaruwa under these circumstances," he said. Polonnaruwa is one of the worst-hit areas due to the "agriculture crisis" arising from the fertiliser shortage.

The ban on chemical fertiliser has come under severe criticism from many quarters including the parties within the current administation.

In the face of severe criticism, the Governmemt has now permitted the use of chemical fertiliser for the tea industry. However, many other farmers across the country are battling an unprecedented crisis over the feriliser ban.