In a statement issued to mark the World Food Day, the movement says that the lands, which includes natural forest area, farmers' lands and shore area land of fishermen, have been forcibly taken over by a group of businessmen.

The statement also alleges that 60% of fisheries products are exported and that 20% of the local population lack the daily calorie requirement.

Noting that 6,000 MT of herbicides are being imported to Sri Lanka annually, it adds that 20,000 farmers have died due to the kidney disease while 50,000 more still suffering from the disease.