Palestinians invest in grape cultivation in SL

By Ruzaik Farook

On the initiative taken by Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Palestine M. Fawzan Anver, a leading investment group in Palestine has consented to invest in Sri Lanka on grape cultivation.

In this regard, a delegation comprising Al-Nabali Al Faris Investment Group from Palestine visited Sri Lanka along with Anver and had a discussion with President Maithripala Sirisena recently.

At the meeting, a proposal to cultivate grape in 700 acres of land was submitted and the President had directed Minister of Agriculture Dumina Dissanayake to proceed on this project. Accordingly, on the initiative of the minister, 700 acres of land has already been identified in the North Western Province for the cultivation and it will be finalised in the near future.

The authorities say that the technical supports along with Palestinian agriculture experts and all required materials for the project will be supplied by the investors. If this project is implemented more than 2,000 Sri Lankans will get employment opportunities and also the local and export market will be promoted. It is expected that it will be one of the useful projects of the country.

Fawzan Anver is having discussions with the concerned Sri Lankan and Palestinian authorities to implement this project as soon as possible.

It is noted that one of the best varieties of grape is from Hebron, Palestine and also it will be the first time an investment for the grape cultivation project is to be implemented by foreign investors in Sri Lanka.