All responsibilities will be fulfilled towards farming community: President

President Maithripala Sirisena emphasised that the Government is bound by their policies to fulfil the responsibilities and duties towards the farming community who strengthen the national economy of the country with their tears and sweat.

He made these remarks participating in a ceremony to present the award to the ‘Mahaweli Maha Goviya’ as well as to present the award for the ‘Best Mahaweli Farmer Organisation’, held at the Mahaweli Buddhi Mandapaya in Embilipitiy, last week.

The President further said that all must unite collectively to strengthen the economy of the farming community to free them from the poverty and debt burden. He also said that all the responsible institutions must work in collaboration to make the necessary changes in the field of agriculture by using the modern technology and research.

President Sirisena said that fulfilling the aspirations of the Rajarata farmers the construction work of the Moragahakanda – Kaluganga project was commissioned. He added that with the introduction of new plans and strategies, the Government has taken steps to strengthen the agricultural economy of the Mahaweli zones by developing the agricultural activities in the area.

This program was organised by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority with the objective of making attitude changes of  farmers to accomplish the target of getting qualitative production from toxin-free farming and to encourage them in this regard to achieve the success of four-year national food production program under the national development goals to be achieved by 2020.

At this competition farmers were selected for first, second and third places and the award for the Mahaweli Maha Goviya won by R.C. Premadasa in Huruluwewa zone, Galkiriyagama Divisional Secretariat division.

Among the farmer organisations also first, second and third places were selected and the award for the ‘Best Mahaweli Farmer Organisation’ won by the 504 Bedum Ela Farmer Organisation of Bakamuna, Moragahakanda.

Harvesting machine worth more than five million rupees was given to the Best Mahaweli Farmer Organisation and four-wheel tractor and two wheel drive tractor was given to the second and third places respectively. Winners from 4th place to 9th place each person was given Rs. 50,000 worth prizes.

A four-wheel tractor was given to the ‘Mahaweli Maha Goviya’ and two wheel drive tractor with all configurations was given to the second place and a two wheel drive tractor was given to the third place. Winners from 4th place to 9th place received Rs. 50,000 worth prizes.

Ministers and MPs, including Ministers Mahinda Amaraweera, Thalatha Athukorala, Deputy Minister, Anuradha Jayaratne, Secretary, Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment, Udaya R. Seneviratne, Director General of the Mahaweli Authority, Anura Dissanayake and many others participated in this event.