Govt. to boost agriculture exports earnings

Plantation Minister Ramesh Phatirana assumes duties yesterday

Plantation Minister Ramesh Pathirana yesterday said steps will be taken to increase the income generated through agricultural exports with a successful target oriented program.

He made these remarks after assuming duties at the Ministry yesterday, and expressed confidence in transforming the institutions with special focus to make the Ministry one of the best performing ones in the next five years.

“President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa share the same vision to strengthen the local economy. The agriculture, plantation and manufacturing sectors have been identified as thrust sectors in rebuilding the economy,” Pathirana said.

The Minister commended the proactive and effective initiatives that were launched by the Ministry Secretary along with other key officials and chairmen to promote and encourage the export earnings from tea, rubber, coconut and other export crops.

“Despite many challenges, we have been able to ensure growth in those areas compared to previous years. We believe that the people and all the stakeholders will continue to support the future endeavours in making Sri Lanka become a prosperous nation,” Pathirana said.

Plantation Ministry Secretary Ravindra Hewavitharana, State Ministers affiliated to the Ministry of Plantation Kanaka Herath, Janaka Wakkumbura, Arundika Fernando and Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, State Minister of Fertiliser Products and Supplies Mohan P. de Silva, chairmen and other officials of the institutions affiliated to the Ministry and well-wishers also participated. (CdeS)