[2012-01-10
15:30:02]
To establish
a stable economy for reintegrated ex-LTTE combatants and several
destitute families in Vadamarachchi, Security Forces Headquarters
– Jaffna (SF-J) in collaboration with the office of the Governor
Northern Province launched an Aloe vera farming project
on Sunday (08).
Although
the government provided sufficient vocational training during
their period at Protective Accommodation and Rehabilitation Centres
in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Welikanda, some reintegrated ex-LTTE combatants
reportedly faced difficulties in finding jobs. As an effort to
secure their future with lucrative income, Commander Security
Forces - Jaffna Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, with auspices
of the Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the Commander
of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, got the assistance
of the Northern Governor Major General (Retd) G.A. Chandrasiri
to start Aloe vera farms in the Vadamarachchi area.
At the initial
stage of the project, 54 families of rehabilitated ex-LTTE combatants,
their relatives and other war-affected persons including women-headed
families were selected to grow Aloe vera at domestic
level. An introductory seminar on the cultivation which is new
to Jaffna was conducted by Ms. Maheeni Samarakoon Singappuli,
a consultant in the field for the Aloe vera farmers of
Mamunai, Thalaiady and Champianpattu on Sunday. A Co-operative
Society was also formed for the Aloe vera farmers during
the inauguration ceremony at Thalaiady Roman Catholic Tamil Mixed
School.
Headquarters
SF-J distributed agriculture tools needed for the farming project
and 5000 Aloe vera saplings at the inauguration, and
by mid February another 20000 plants will be provided to farmers.
At request of the Commander SF-J, Northern Province Governor’s
office has allocated Rs. 1 million for the project.
Aloe vera
abundantly used in preparing herbal medication has a great demand
at local and international level. The area selected for Aloe vera
farming is sandy and not utilized by residents in those areas
to make any agriculture products. But experts recommend the area
ideal for Aloe vera farming.
Commander
551 Brigade Brigadier Hemantha Kulathunge, Commanding Officer
10 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Chamly Ratnayake
and senior officers of the SF-J took part in the inauguration
ceremony.
