Residents launched a protest near Mattala Airport this morning against the decision to store paddy at the unused warehouses in the airport.

 

Protesters blocked lorries from entering the premises with the first stock of paddy to be stored at the airport.

 

The storing the surplus paddy harvest of Hambantota District at unused warehouses at the Mattala Airport commenced today. The decision was taken by relevant authorities following a request made by Paddy Marketing Board.

 

One lorry carrying paddy stocks entered the airport premises under police protection. However, protestors prevented two other lorries from entering.