Free fertiliser programme for Eastern Province

Rasika Somarathna

Western Provincial Council member Duminda Silva said yesterday that the Free fertiliser distribution programme for farmers, initiated in the Uhana electorate of the Eastern Province, would be spread to other areas of the East in the near future.

According to Duminda Silva the distribution of free fertiliser to farmers, was initiated in line with “Mahinda Chinthana” to uplift the rural farming community of the East, who had undergone untold sufferings during the two decades of Tiger tyranny.

He identified the East as an area which could provide 50 per cent of rice requirement of the country, citing the enormous natural resources it possesses.

“Thus with the Eastern resurgence we have to take steps to uplift the farming community in the area, which would not only enhance their living conditions but would also act as a catalyst in finding viable answers to the food crisis,” he added.

He emphasised that this worthy programme would be continued with the assistance of the Government and would continue to provide fertiliser free of charge during cultivation seasons in the future.

The Free Fertiliser for farmers programme was initiated last week with the distribution of fertiliser to the farmers in Uhana, with several Government Ministers and local officials in attendance.

Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Rohitha Abeygunarathne, Rajitha Senarathne, Jagath Pushpakumara and Uhana PS Chairman Ranjith Ekanayake were also present.