Insurance scheme for farmer families in threaten villages

Mahinda Kulatunga

COLOMBO: The Agrarian Services and Farmer Community Development Ministry will implement an insurance scheme for farmer families in areas subject to terrorist attacks to retain them in those areas, said Agrarian Services and Farmer Community Development Minister S. M. Chandrasena. He was speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry yesterday.

"This insurance scheme will be implemented through the Agricultural Farmers' Insurance Board. "An insured family entitled to a compensation of Rs. 500,000 in respect of each death and a compensation up to Rs. 200,000 in the event of physical harm or incapacitation as a result of terrorist attack or any other non-terrorist cause such as attacks by elephants', he said.

Minister Chandrasena said the initial payment to join the scheme will be made at Government expense and the premiums thereafter are expected to be borne under a special fund created with the contribution of benefactors.

The Minister also made a general appeal to people islandwide to contribute towards this cause which is an incentive for people living in threatened villages not to abandon their native lands.