Govt's aim to achieve self-sufficiency - Executive Director SLMA

Matale district group corr.

The Government's aim is to promote the local products and services to build a self-sufficient country for the future generations, a concept of the Mahinda Chintana, said the Executive Director (Finance and Administration) Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority (SLMA) Nissanka Udagedera.

He said the major part of the agriculture sector depends on the Mahaweli Authority.

Our responsibility is to produce 10 percent of the food requirement of the country. The enthusiasm of the Mahaweli officers is essential to fulfil this target. He said that at the Wap Magul ceremony held at Watthegammedda in Mahaweli Hurulu was a sustenance project in Dambulla area.

The Executive Director said that we have an agriculture based culture because our forefathers achieved self-sufficiency. They never sought imported milk or other food items. They had a solid economic state. But we have destroyed it and are awaiting imported foodstuffs. He said we have enough resources to develop the country. The Government has realised it and is making every effort to fulfil that task. The dedication of the Mahaweli officers is vital for this.

Their promotions and other benefits depend on it. They can urge the Mahaweli settlers to do homegarden cultivations.

The Executive Director said all Mahaweli settlers can contribute to develop the national economy. The Moragahakanda project has been started by the Government. After it is completed the problems in the area will be solved.