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Programmes to boost rural economy

On the instructions of Rural Economy Minister and Deputy Finance Minister Bandula Gunawardene, a number of programmes, some of which are under the Government's 100 day Accelerated Development Programme are scheduled to be launched to uplift the rural economy whose main drawback is the inadequacy of a stable marketing opportunity for its products.

As a remedial measure, the Ministry organized a series of Trade Fairs and Exhibitions in the Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara Districts in the Western Province in two stages, the first of which was held at the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo from 26th to 29th December 2001 enabling the rural producers to earn an income of 1.5 million rupees.

The 2nd of the series is scheduled to be held at Chandrajothi Vidyalaya premises, Yakkala in the Gampaha District on February 23rd and 24th while the 3rd is intended to be held towards the end of March or early April at Kalutara or Beruwala.

In addition to the 100 day accelerated development programme, the Ministry is going ahead with a project to establish a Printing Industry Town on a 20 acre land in the Panaluwa area off Meegoda obtained from the State Printing Corporation where the UDA is presently preparing the blueprints.

At the same time arrangements are under way to open ornamental plants sales complexes along main roads such as the Colombo-Avissawella Highway as a means for the village womenfolk to find self employment. The rural level craftsmen will be aided with interest free credit facilities to purchase equipment and the Ministry will be provided with a Consultant Board and a Resources Centre. 

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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