The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that only co-operative societies can purchase paddy from farmers at fair prices and provide rice to the public at affordable rates. He further emphasized that, despite the obstruction caused by mafias acting against this public welfare initiative, the programme will certainly be carried out successfully.
With the aim of introducing modern transformations in the agricultural sector through the cooperative movement in the Northern Province, the launching ceremony of a paddy transplanting machine jointly implemented by the Thunukkai Multipurpose Cooperative Society and the Northern Cooperative Development Bank was held successfully today morning – on Friday, 24 April 2026 at Kottaikattiya Kulam, Thunukkai.
Participating as the Chief Guest, the Hon. Governor ceremonially inaugurated the paddy transplanting machine and observed its operations in the field. Subsequently, in Mallavi, he laid the foundation stone for installing a seed paddy cleaning machine provided under the ‘CSIAP’ project, and also inspected paddy fields cultivated under the certified seed paddy production programme.
Key points from the Governor’s address during discussions with farmers are as follows:
It is concerning that Mullaitivu District, which is rich in resources, ranks highest in poverty. This situation can be changed. The livelihood of the people can be improved only by fully and scientifically utilizing our natural resources. In the past, many pieces of equipment provided to our province remained unused and idle. As a result of efforts to reactivate them, the rice mill of this cooperative society has now been brought into operation.
Just like the sand mafia, mafias are also active in the paddy market. They purchase paddy from farmers at very low prices, hoard it, and sell rice to the public at higher prices. A system without intermediaries is essential to prevent this exploitation. Strengthening cooperative societies will enable control over these mafias. In the past, politicians were behind such mafias; however, the present government led by His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is providing full support to suppress them.
All central government ministers are extending full cooperation for the development of the Northern Province. Farmers and those in the cooperative sector should make proper use of this favorable political environment to advance the province’s development, the Governor added.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Northern Cooperative Development Bank, Dr. Akilan Kathirkamar, stated that 24 paddy transplanting machines that had remained unused in other provinces were allocated to the Northern Province by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Lal Kantha, following a special request by the Hon. Governor. At a time when there are global challenges in fertilizer supply, this mechanized transplanting method can produce higher yields with minimal fertilizer use. It will promote modern agriculture and ensure the province’s food security, he said.
The Secretary of the Northern Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, the Assistant Divisional Secretary of Thunukkai, provincial and district agricultural directors, representatives of the Northern Cooperative Development Bank, members of the Thunukkai Multipurpose Cooperative Society, and a large number of farmers were also present at the event.
