Jaffna back to prosperity

by Dhaneshi YATAWARA from Thirunelveli in Jaffna

The Chief Guest and the invitees observing religious rites. Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa operates the agricultural machinery. Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, Minister Douglas Devananda, British High Commissioner, Dr. Peter Hayes Northern Province Governor G.A. Chandrasiri, Jaffna Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. L.B.R. Mark and the farmers’ leader Sivathirichenndunadan walking towards the field. Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa handing over a monetary presentation to a farmer while Minister Douglas Devananda looks on.

People always entertain hopes for a bright and prosperous future, a smoother life experiencing the least possible ups and downs! To anyone, when hopes become a reality it would be the happiest day in life.

And for those who lost almost everything and saved only their lives, when what they have been hoping for a long time becomes true, no words can express their contentment. For the farmers of the Maravanpulavu and Thanankilappu Grama Niladhari Divisions of the Jaffna District, August 27, marked a significant day in their lives. Under the "Uthuru Wasanthaya" mega development plan, the Northern peninsula launched its agricultural action plan.

This was a historical day for the entire Jaffna peninsula. Out of thousands of acres of abandoned arable lands in the district, 1,124 acres started getting ready for the 'Maha' season in a grand manner; and it was almost after a decade.

The Maravanpulavu was full of joy and jubilation. It was significant in this post war era where the Government focuses on a total revamp of the entire Northern Province. Presided over by the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for the "Uthuru Wasanthaya", Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa M.P. this colourful event was held at the Maravanpulavu village with the participation of the farmer communities of two Gramaseva Niladari Divisions. British High Commissioner Peter Hayes and Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda were present at the occasion. Under the patronage of Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, the Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri initiated the mega agricultural plan to expedite realising the 'Uthuru Wasanthaya' development goals.

Bring back prosperity

Your great efforts bring a rich harvest to feed the nation," Basil Rajapaksa said in his address to the farmers. "This is a moment of national importance to the Government headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and to our heroic men of the Security Forces.

This event proved that the military operations carried out by our Security Forces were solely humanitarian - liberating the lands of the people for the people.

We must be thankful to our valiant soldiers for their commitment to liberate the land with their supreme sacrifices, he reiterated.

The blood, toil and tears of the unknown soldier who sacrificed his precious youth to liberate this land, are mixed in every inch of this land.

"Jaffna people's cultivation patterns are different from the rest of the country depending on the rainy season.

Thus, they start the cultivation process early for the 'Maha' season with the soil preparations when farmers in the other parts of the country start in October," Northern Province Governor Major General Chandrasiri said.

"Understanding the pulse of the Jaffna people is not new to me. I have gathered enough experience in my association with them during the past several years and as the Governor I feel more familiar with them. I feel honoured to be able to meet the development goals for the benefit of the Country as well as the citizens under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa," Governor Maj. Gen. Chandrasiri said at the event.

"Under the instructions and guidance of Northern Development Task Force Chairman Basil Rajapaksa the development of the Northern Province is making rapid progress and definitely his broad view and clear understanding is the strength behind the success stories," Governor Chandrasiri stressed.

Initially about 600 families are benefited. It would certainly help uplift their livelihoods, District Secretary K. Ganesh said addressing the media.

"The Government is paying over 4,000 rupees to the farmers for each acre for the basic soil preparation work. In addition, seed paddy and fertilizer are distributed among them free of charge," Ganesh stated further.

"We only need support to build our houses, water and sanitation facilities to restart our lives. We know how to get a rich harvest," Karthigesu (53) said. Karthigesu was one of the farmers at the event to receive his quota of benefits.

"How were the early days?," I asked him. "Fascinating. We were able to get 25 - 30 sacks of harvest from each acre. I'm sure we will do better this time," Karthigesu said with great enthusiasm. "We were born and brought up here in these villages. Our true spirit of life is on this soil and it should be for our future generations as well. We are more than happy to be in our ancestral lands," another farmer S. Thiyagarajah said.

All these people were living in Vadamarachchi and Thennamarachchi areas since they were displaced from their homes due to LTTE threats. They could not return as their security could not be assured. With the entire LTTE terrorism eliminated from this land they are now able to resume this normal lifestyles.

According to community leader of the Chavakachcheri Pradeshiya Sabha area, Sivathirichenndunadan (64), nearly 2000 farmers are registered in the Farmers' Organization. "Out of this Maravanpulavu has 560 farmers and Thanankilappu has 540 farmers. All these people will restart cultivating their lands as they did a decade ago."

"Ninety eight percent of the people in this area depend on paddy cultivation and farming.

When we were displaced we went to Valikamam to work as labourers for daily wage. We are proud to be back in our ancestral lands," he said.

Farmers at the grand cultivation ceremony.

A section of the gathering: farmers and residents

Commenting on the future progress, Northern Governor Chandrasiri stressed more lands will be released for cultivation in the near future under the "Uthuru Wasanthaya' mega development program.

"These people need to return to their normal lifestyles. They are willing to restart their usual livelihood activities and became a progressive partners of the national economy. They want to live in peace and harmony," the Governor reiterated.