Govt. task of boosting use of organic fertiliser similar to challenge of ending war: Gamlath

The Government is compelled to face a severe challenge in socialising organic fertiliser similar to the one it faced in ending the war, says Mahaweli Zone Canals and Common Settlement Infrastructure Development State Minister Siripala Gamlath.

“The aim of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is to build a healthy society instead of a sick one and it is the duty and responsibility of all those who love this country to make it a success,” the State Minister said, addressing an organic fertiliser manufacturing program at Ridimaliyadda in the Mahaweli Rambaken Oya Zone earlier this week.

Similar programs were held at Padiyatalawa and Maha Oya area of the Mahaweli Rambaken Oya Zone on the sidelines of the Mahaweli Organic Fertiliser Week.

Speaking further, Gamlath said that the entire global economy was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said all citizens should understand Sri Lanka had also been economically affected by this pandemic. 

“The country has lost a large sum of foreign exchange annually as tourists are not visiting the country. Export manufacturing has also been limited. The country will be able to fully open for economic activities after the majority of the people are vaccinated soon.”

State Minister Gamlath said that a certain group of people had been trying to weaken the organic fertiliser manufacturing program.

“It is betraying the future generation. Half of the population in the Medirigiriya area are kidney patients. The use of chemical fertiliser and pesticides has created such a tragic social issue. A family with a kidney or cancer patient has to face a grave economic difficulty. Not only the patient but also his family members become hapless before the disease. The aim of the President is to create a happy family, therefore we all should extend our earnest support to him in his difficult journey.”

Wildlife and Forest Resources Development State Minister Wimalaweera Dissanayake, Secretary of the Mahaweli Zone Canals and Common Settlement Infrastructure State Ministry Chandra Herath, Mahaweli Agriculture Director Neville Rajapakse and Residential Enterprise Manager of the Rambaken Oya Zone H.M. Wijerathna participated.