The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that the corporate social responsibility initiatives of Cargills extending beyond the direct purchase of agricultural produce from farmers to supporting the educational advancement of their children are highly praiseworthy. He also requested that this program be continued.
These remarks were made by the Hon. Governor while attending as the chief guest and addressing the gathering at the “Sarubima” educational scholarship distribution and community development program organized by Cargills. The event was held today (09 April 2026) – on Thursday morning, at the Regal Cinema located in Cargills Square, Jaffna.
Further elaborating in his speech, he stated:
Although the Northern Province is resource-rich and our farmers are hardworking, there has not yet been a significant improvement in their standard of living. Farmers often do not receive fair prices for their produce, and during periods of surplus production, a considerable portion goes unsold and wasted—an unfortunate situation.
In this context, Cargills operates three purchasing centers in the Northern Province, through which vegetables and fruits are bought directly from farmers without intermediary involvement. This is a great relief to our farmers. However, when production increases significantly, a sustainable mechanism must be established to purchase these goods and convert them into value-added products.
Through the investment zones planned by the government for the future, we are ready to encourage investments aimed at transforming agricultural and livestock products into value-added goods. It is especially commendable that, beyond merely purchasing vegetables, fruits, and milk from farmers, your corporate social responsibility program also supports the educational development of their children. This initiative should continue, he said.
At this event, valuable learning equipment and financial assistance were distributed to the children of farmers who supply vegetables, fruits, and milk to Cargills:
>> Laptops were awarded to 16 students qualified for university admission.
>> Financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 each was granted to 3 students pursuing vocational education.
>> Financial assistance of Rs. 30,000 each was given to 56 students who passed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination.
>> Financial assistance of Rs. 15,000 each was awarded to 18 students who passed the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.
The event was attended by the Director and former Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture of Northern Province, senior officials of Cargills, farmers, and students.
