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Minister promises to redress grievances

by Chilaw special correspondent

Plantation Industries Minister Lakshman Kiriella who toured the Puttalam district to ascertain the hardships faced by coconut growers and industrialists due to the drought experienced in the past, and other reasons, promised to redress their grievances and consolidate their economy, in order to resuscitate the beleaguered coconut industry.

Mr. Kiriella was speaking at a meeting held at the Coconut Development Office, Anamaduwa.

He said: "We were instructed by the Premier to submit a comprehensive report of the situation faced by coconut industrialists before the next budget. Today, we are able to make an impartial assessment of the conditions prevailing in these parts."

"We were apprised of the difficulties of the coconut growers in obtaining relief assistance. Henceforth relief measures will be increased. The laws governing the grant of relief will be mitigated in order to expedite speedy grant of relief measures. At the same time, steps will be taken to obtain the technology needed for the public to boost the coconut industry.

Puttalam district UNF MP Palitha Range Bandara said that agriculture in the district should be developed for the benefit of farmers.

Ven. Siri Seelananda Nayaka Thera delivered the 'anusasana'. Anamaduwa divisional secretary H.M.C. Bandara and several others also spoke.

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