Big demand for coconut based products - Minister Jagath Pushpakumara

THENNAKOON BANDARA- Monaragala Daily News Corr

Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara observes employees’ work. Picture by Thennakoon Bandara Monaragala Daily News Corr

There's a big demand for coconut based products in the market. The coconut tree plays a pivotal role in the life of all human beings from the ancient time as the people use every part of it in daily life, said Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara.

He was addressing the people at Neelawabedda opening a coir based production centre, Kapruka Nipeum Piyasa, in the Madulla

Divisional Secretariat area in Monaragala on Sunday to mark the President Mahinda Rajapaksa's second anniversary of second term in office.

The minister said coconut based industries have potential to strengthen the economy to keep pace with other developing countries. The centre is utilized to produce coir brush, mats and other coir based productions by 50 youths employed in the centre. The products will be taken by the Coconut Development Authority for sale. Equipment, row material and technical know-how are provided by the Coconut Development Authority and the Rural Development Ministry. Uniforms are provided to ensure the safety of the employees.

Speaking to the Daily News, employees said they can earn Rs 500 to 700 per day. They thanked the minister and the government for giving them an opportunity to earn for their living and to contribute to the country's economy.

Treasury Deputy Secretary Dr. Suren Batagada, Madulla Divisional Secretary R.M.Rasika Thilakarathna, Uva Provincial Councillor Chandana Welivita, Madulla PS chairman Chaminda Pushpakumara also participated.