Over 200 milch cows for needy families

by Joseph Anthony, Dehiowita Spl. Cor.

Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Maheepala Herath said that 200 milch cows would be distributed among the needy families and called upon the co-operative traders and the unemployed youth to rare cows, as a self employment project. This will enhance the local milk production by 30%, he said. He said so at a discussion held at the office of the Director of Health Services, Kegalle.

He said Rs. 7.6 million would be received from the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils under the Poverty Alleviation Scheme.

A milk farmer who buys two cows would be paid a sum of Rs. 35,000 as a relief allowance and another Rs. 35,000 as a loan from any Co-operative Bank to be settled within 6 months. Of the 10 milk purchasing centres to be set up in Kegalle and two would be set up at Rambukkana and Warakapola.

This scheme will create 2,000 jobs, the Chief Minister said.

Kegalle District MP Kanaka Herath and several officials participated.