Plan to protect Kithul tappers

Samantha Weerasekera

Plantation Industries Minister D. M. Jayaratne who has observed the travails of Kithul and Palmyrah tree tappers encountered at the hands of law enforcement authorities executing the Mathata Thitha program has requested the Rural Industries and Self Employment Ministry to devise plans to establish a good rapport between Police and small scale industrialists engaged in the local treacle and jaggery industry.

Addressing a meeting of the Kandy District Co-ordinating Committee Minister Jayaratne said there had been several instances where people tapping Kithul and Palmyrah trees for treacle and jaggery production have been allegedly apprehended by police on charges of tapping for toddy. He said Kithul and palmyrah jaggery is a good substitute for sugar.