Jaffna farmers back in business

All smiles on the faces of farmers and fishermen of Jaffna following the good income they are earning through the transportation of their products to the south according to Commissioner of Essential Services, S.B. Divaratne. Commenting on the goods that are brought to Colombo on the return convoy from Jaffna Divaratne told the Sunday Observer that since the inception of transportation of goods between Colombo and Jaffna via A-9 highway, the Jaffna farmers and fishermen have benefitted tremendously earning a good income.

Chamber of Commerce in Jaffna which is coordinating with the fisher folk and the farmers in Jaffna said that before the passage through A-9 highway the excessive products of the Jaffna men were perished and they found it difficult to market. But now in eight hours they are able to transport their items to Colombo by lorries including two freezers to transport sea food items.

He also said that since the inception of the transportation from early part of March four convoys have taken goods to the North from Colombo and returned back with the items including seed onions from there.

"Now mega private companies have also come forward to send their goods to Jaffna via A-9. Thirty five companies had sent their items to North on Thursday and one lorry was taking textiles for Tamil-Sinhala New Year next week", he said.