Palmyrah Research Institute begins operations in Jaffna

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

The Palmyrah Research Institute in Kaithady, Jaffna will start operations as an essential part of Northern Province development today.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa will open the state- of- the-art palmyrah research facility at the invitation of Traditional; Industries and Small Enterprises Development Minister Douglas Devananda.

The facility became defunct in 1995 as a result of the conflict in the Northern Province.

Minister Devananda initiated action to rehabilitate and renovate the old Palmyrah Research Institute to become what it is today from last year.

The government funded Rs 45 million for the project which was identified as one of the main industrial projects under "Wadakkim Wasantham" programme of the Mahinda Chinthana to promote jobs in the Northern Province.

The initiative received the support of the Indian government which gave Rs 70 million for its construction and for installing industrial equipment.

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary V Sivagnanasothi yesterday said they have bought laboratory equipment, glassware, chemicals, furniture and motor vehicles to run the palmyrah research operations. The institute is expected to revive the palmyrah industry in the Jaffna district with over 3.5 million palmyrah trees.

"Quality palmyrah products, among them fruit pulp, soft drinks, jaggery, sap and vinegar will be introduced soon to the market under various projects that the ministry plans to launch with the assistance of the Palmyrah Research Institute," said Sivagnanasothy. He said the ministry will to introduce three to five new palmyrah-based products every year and the Institute will undertake research to introduce a new handicrafts sector with the dawn of the palmyrah research operation.

This will generate thousands of self-employment opportunities in Jaffna , he said.