President instructs to prioritize work at Elephant Pass saltern

President Mahinda Rajapaksa had instructed to prioritize the recommencement work of the Elephant Pass saltern at a request made by Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda, said Ministry Secretary V Sivagnanasothy.

He said so at a function to mark the handing over to the ministry of the operational area of the saltern that extends over 1,800 acres after the completion of demining.

The secretary said that it was a happy occasion that the mega industry which once flourished in the North is coming back to life after a long period in a secured environment.

"Many employment opportunities will be open to young men and women.

"The demining of the area had been carried out by the Army Engineering unit DAS," he added.

He said that when Elephant Pass saltern production commences, it could harvest 70-80 metric tons per year which would further strengthen the economy of the North.

Northern Province Governor Major General G A Chandrasiri speaking at the occasion said the Elephant Pass saltern will get the support of the Northern Provincial Council.

Minister Devananda speaking at the occasion said that as the work at the Elephant Pass saltern was held up since 1990, a workforce of nearly 4,000 were subjected to severe difficulties. He said that he took steps to pay compensation and salaries due to them. With the commencement of this saltern, a large number of unemployed could be provided with jobs, he added.

Once the demining of the Elephant Pass area was completed, action would be taken to restart the Paranthan Chemical Industry, he said. He expressed gratitude to the Australian government for assisting the demining of Elephant Pass saltern area.

The minister also discussed with Kachchai North Fisheries Co-operative Society on prawn farming with private sector assistance. The prawn farm is to extend in over 13 acres. Rs three million income is expected benefitting 3,000 families, the minister explained.