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| Tuesday, 21 September 2004 |
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Minister commends ex-planters The Association of Ex-Planters Sri Lanka held their 14th Annual General Meeting at the "Capri", Colombo 3 recently. Minister of Plantation Industries, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa was the chief guest on the occasion. The Minister addressing the gathering referred to matters such as the present day planter, and the problems on the plantations. He outlined the yeomen service rendered by the planting community over a long period of time and also paid tribute to them for many achievements by the sector. The Minister said that some re-structuring is imminent with the research and Plantation Management institutions in his effort to increase production, and resolve some of the major issues facing the industry. He said that the deterioration has to be arrested without delay. The Minister said that he was seriously thinking of obtaining the assistance of the Association in connection with sorting out the problems. The Minister commended the ex-planters for what they have been and meant to the estates. The Minister said that there are challenges to be faced in the future and was confident that if the Association could expand its activities and present proposals, it would be of great benefit to him. He said that he would do his best to help the ex-planters to overcome their problems such as housing blocks and office space. The President Lincoln Fernando outlined the achievements of the Association, the performance of the Association's main welfare activity - Medical Scheme, the increase in Membership strength the bulletin publication of the Association and appealed to the Minister for assistance such as office space and housing land for deserving members. Ernie F. Silva was made a Life Member at the meeting. Lasantha Fernando acted as Chairman Pro-tem and Lincoln Fernando was re-elected as the President, with a new committee and the election of an Auditor and Trustee. The vote of thanks was proposed by Leslie Dharmaratne. |
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