Development Committee Meeting for Vavuniya, Mannar, and Mullaitivu Districts to promote Domestic Manufacturing Industries established for the implementation of the National Program to develop the Rural Economy commenced on 18 March 2021 at 2.00 pm at the Vavuniya District Conference Hall.
Minister of Plantation Industries Hon. Rames Pathirana, Chairman of the Kilinochchi District Development Coordinating Committee and Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Hon. K.N. Douglas Devananda, Governor of the Northern Province Hon. Mrs. PSM Charles, Wanni Parliamentarians Hon. Kather Masthan, Hon. Thileepan, Chief Secretary, Secretary to the Governor, Coordinating Secretary to the Governor, Pradeshiya Sabha Chairpersons, Government Agents of Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar Districts, Directors of Planning, Secretaries to Ministries, Heads of Departments, and the media were also present.
Commenting on this, the Hon. Minister said that they have decided to implement an Ordinance for fishermen as soon as possible and after that, the problems of all fishermen would be resolved. They also discussed the illegal fishing of Indian fishermen, control of restricted industries, development of inland water resources, reconstruction of jetties, reactivation of Mannar Tin Fish Factory, and transport routes for fishermen in detail.
The Hon. Minister commented on the development of the plantation sector and discussed the protection of the palmyrah resources from extinction and to increase their production, sales, and exports, to develop the cashew tree industry, and to expand the coconut industry.
The Secretary to the Ministry said that the government is ready to provide credit facilities and training programs for the gem and gold jewelery industry and if there are any requests, the beneficiaries can submit their requests to the relevant District Secretaries and obtain their requirements.
The Hon. Governor advised them to stop the illegal gold exports from Sri Lanka.
