Rs. 15,200m project to improve plantations

by Imantha Caldera

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The government has launched a Rs. 15,200 million project to develop the plantation sector. It covers 471 estates in 17 districts”, said Media Secretary, Plantation Ministry Nishantha Alwis.

The main considerations under this project include long term investment loans at reasonable interest and facilities for marketing, technical training programs, reconstruction of estate roads and quality assurance in the tea factories.

Loans amounting to Rs. 2,400 million and equipment worth Rs. 60 million have been granted under the project. Estate employees were sent for foreign and local training programs at a cost of Rs. 13.94 million while 726.08 kms of estate roadway network in 12 districts have been reconstructed at a cost of Rs. 240.7 million.

At present, 16 private sector companies are involved in this project. The balance Rs. 12,472.36 million will be spent on various development programs.

According to the Plantation Ministry spokesman, the aim of the corporate sector is to increase the production per hectare in the plantation industry to bring it on par with international standards.

The aim is to reduce production costs, increase labour productivity and offer benefits to the second generation of the plantation sector. The plantation sector plays a very important role in Sri Lanka’s economy, since it brings a large amount of foreign exchange to the country. More employment opportunities can be generated through the plantation sector.

The government has granted incentives to improve the sector further in view of its importance, said the spokesman.