Recognise planters service to country - Dr. Amunugama

by L. S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

The country should recognize the great contribution made by the plantation professionals to the economy said Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister and Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama.

The plantation professionals went through a period of great difficulties locally and globally such as land reforms and interaction with new companies. They acted with a sense of responsibility and in the interest of expanding the national economy, he said.

Addressing the 73rd Annual General Meeting of the Ceylon Planters' Society held in Colombo, Dr. Amunugama stressed that the need of the day is to explore better markets. Undoubtedly China in an emerging market for Sri Lanka.

Our agriculture sector has a vital role to play in future not only within the country but globally as well, he said.Emphasising the importance of research for the development of the plantation and agriculture sectors, the Minister said that Talawakelle Tea Research Institute, Batalagoda Paddy Research Centre, and Lunuwila Coconut Research Centre have rendered a great deal of service to the overall development of the country.

The Minister urged these institutions to return to their past glory and promised to provide the necessary budgetary allocation for the improvement of the much needed research centres.

Plenty of job opportunities are available in the agricultural and plantation sectors. The education and skilled development agencies should educate and train the youth for employment in the agricultural and plantation sectors. Otherwise those sectors would have to face severe setbacks which will drastically affect the country's future development and the social stability, Dr. Amunugama, pointed out.