Government focused on uplifting rubber industry: President

Monday, 4 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government has paid special attention to develop the rubber industry in the country and uplift the lives of the rubber industry workers, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said Friday.

Addressing a function held to open the Dr. Colvin R. de Silva Auditorium at the Rubber Research Institute (RRI) in Agalawatta, President Rajapaksa said the rubber tappers are providing a valuable service to the country’s economy and they should be turned into professionals and their services should be given a new recognition. President Rajapakse also said all the employees engaged in the manufacturing sector should be properly recognised with dignity for their service to the country and the government is committed to provide better living conditions to the rubber sector workers. He pointed out the need to enlighten the future generations in the rubber industry, which could vigorously contribute to the growth of the national economy. The assistance and the guidance of the scientists are essential to conduct research in the field of rubber technology, the President noted. President Rajapaksa warned of the attempts to destabilise the industries in the country by certain elements citing environmental problems and requested the public to be aware of their motives to stall the government’s development programs. A newly developed rubber clone, RRISL 2100 to mark the President’s visit was registered and distributed to the cultivators at the function. The President also observed a display of products made out of rubber at the RRI. Senior Minister Tissa Vitharana, Ministers Mahinda Samarasinghe, Kumara Welgama, Nirmala Kotelawala and Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Chairman of the Rubber Research Institute J.U. Peiris and Maha Sanga participated in the event.