Self-sufficiency fortifies nation

Suraj A. Bandara

The country is proudly moving ahead as an independent and sovereign state. Agriculture is the backbone of the country in the way forward to development. No country can influence if Sri Lanka is self sufficient with agriculture, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said.

The Minister was addressing students who completed an agriculture diploma course at the Gannoruwa Genetic Plants Resources Centre. The diploma course was conducted in the three languages and around 200 students were awarded with certificates and medals.

Countries with a strong agrarian economy are not exposed to any outside threats coming in diverse ways endangering the sovereignty of the country, he said.

People who have no way of gaining an income other than from agriculture will be exempted from the income tax, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said.

Tax relief will be effected for five years. The proposal on the tax free package has been prepared and sent for the President's approval, he said.

"We pump up a huge amount to foreign countries to import foods. Now, a social dialog has emerged to stop this flow of money and produce foods in our own soil", he said.

He said all agricultural diploma holders who gained expertise on agriculture should endeavour to develop agrarian products and lay a foundation for a sustainable development.

The people who join the government service squander their skills and don't use their capabilities in a productive manner. The knowledge and skills of the state employees should focus to enhance the productivity and serve the people in a meaningful manner, the Minister added.

Government employees while building up their personal economic development should work for the betterment of the people and the country, he said.