BEST ERA FOR AGRICULTURAL SECTOR: PRESIDENT

Despite the various allegations levelled against the government by political opponents, this era can be considered as the best for the agricultural sector, President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday while participating in the opening ceremony of the Welikanda New Agrarian Services Centre.

“Over the past three and a half years, the government has been working in a systematic manner to provide solutions to water shortage faced by farmers. The government is committed to ensure the prosperity of the farming community. However, the Welikanda Drinking Water Supply Project will be completed by the end of next year. Some people expect shortterm solutions in the development process. At present, development programmes are being implemented with a comprehensive plan,” he said.

On a different note, President Sirisena said a sum of Rs.13 million had been spent on the Agrarian Services Centre, built under the district development programme ‘Pibidemu Polonnaruwa.’ The President planted a tree at the Agrarian Services Centre after unveiling the commemoration plaque.

The Agriculture and Agrarian Insurance Board provided compensation to farmers for crops damaged due to inclement weather, while President Sirisena handed over cheques and agricultural toolkits among farmers.

The distinguished gathering included Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Deputy Minister Angajan Ramanathan, Ministry Secretary B. Wijeratne, Agrarian Development Department Commissioner General W.M.B. Weerasekara and Polonnaruwa District Agrarian Development Assistant Commissioner B.M.C.H. Kumarihami.