President heads discussion on national food production

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday headed a discussion on the National Food Production Program at the President’s House.

The National Food Production Program was initiated according to a concept of the President to make the country self-sufficient with food which are currently imported but can be locally produced, using every possible inch of earth for cultivation. This program was launched recently in Iranamadu in Kilinochchi District under the patronage of the President. After the launch, it was carried out island-wide.

The president said the contribution of every sector is required to make this program successful. He pointed out the importance of the direct intervention of Ministers as well as government officers in this program. He assured that he would personally monitor the performance of this program by visiting every district in the future. The President also stated he would visit Northern and Eastern Provinces to seek about the issues faced by the people there.

Attention was paid on the program to select the best farmer which has been implemented to encourage people about the local food production program.

President Sirisena pointed out the significance of the close cooperation between the Agriculture Ministry and the Ministry of Commerce in the program to strengthening the farming community by getting their produce to the market.

Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers Ravi Karunanayake, Vajira Abeywardena, S. B. Dissanayake, Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, P. Harrison, Mahinda Amaraweera, Daya Gamage, Vijith Wijayamuni de Soisa, governors, Provincial Chief Ministers and government officers participated in this discussion.