Flower cultivation project unveiled

Sabaragamuwa special corr.

Under the "Krushi Navodaya" program implemented by the Central Bank, a flower cultivation project has been initiated in Ruwanwella in the Kegalle district as a step taken to identify and promote new export opportunities.

The project has been successful in the Sabaragamuwa Province as it has a suitable climate for the cultivation of flowers such as Anthuriums and Orchids.

So far Rs. 12 million was issued as a loan by the Lanka Puthra Development Bank among 300 flower cultivators.

Central Bank reports show that the export of flowers last year earned about Rs. 2.5 billion. These facts were disclosed by the Finance and State Revenue Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya at a ceremony held at Kegalle for the issue of loans among the flower cultivators.

Labour and Manpower Minister Athauda Senaviratne, Consumer Affairs Minister H. R. Mithrapala and Chairman of Lanka Puthra Development Bank Sarath de Silva also participated at the occasion.