I Pledge to Rebuild Economy and Transform Farmers’ Lives – President Assures in Batticaloa

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized his commitment to revitalizing the country’s economy while highlighting transformative changes in the lives of farmers. The President made these remarks during the inauguration of a groundnut processing center in Karadiyanaru, which was constructed at a cost of Rs. 55 million under the agricultural modernization program of the Ministry of Agriculture.

During the event held this morning (23), the President participated in traditional Tamil rituals as part of the reception. President Wickremesinghe personally cut the ribbon to inaugurate the processing center and took time to observe its operations firsthand.

In addition to the inauguration of the groundnut processing center, the President distributed laptops to agricultural organizations during a subsequent ceremony.

Meanwhile, President Wickremesinghe visited the pomegranate farm today (23) situated in Mylampavali Chenkaladi. This farm spans approximately 150 acres and supports around 300 farmers. Notably, these farmers achieved a substantial harvest last year, generating earnings of about Rs. 3.6 million from just half an acre of its cultivation.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the groundnut processing center, President Ranil Wickremesinghe further emphasized:

This program can be considered part of the agricultural modernization program. There is a large amount of uncultivated land in our country that should be utilized for cultivation. Our agriculture needs a transition into an export-oriented sector, focusing on exporting agricultural crops not only to meet our own food needs, but also to cater to the needs of other countries. This approach will enable us to earn significant foreign exchange, reducing our reliance on foreign loans. I assumed leadership of this country to rebuild its economy, which includes ensuring that farmers receive a fair income.

Today, this factory was inaugurated, and laptops were provided to agricultural organizations to enable them to conduct farming activities using modern technology. In India, farmers manage their cultivation activities with mobile phones in hand.

We have initiated the program to provide free land deeds to farmers cultivating government lands. Yesterday, this program was initiated in the Batticaloa district. This grants you rightful ownership of the land, something to take pride in. Additionally, we are commencing an agricultural modernization program across the country. The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with Provincial Ministries of Agriculture, is implementing this initiative with the goal of transforming all agricultural service centers into modernization hubs by next year. This progressive step aims to enhance farmers’ incomes and foster rural development across the country.

Furthermore, we have planned a comprehensive program for the Batticaloa district, focusing on improving agricultural activities in areas including Mahaweli A and B zones. This initiative is set to bring about complete agricultural development in the area.

Governor of the Eastern Province Senthil Thondaman, State Ministers S. Viyalendran, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka were present on the occasion.