It is not enough for the people affected by the recent natural disaster to merely return to normalcy. The key objective of the government led by His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is to ensure that they progress beyond their previous economic and social standing. “We are working with full dedication to achieve this,” said the Governor of Northern Province Hon. N. Vethanayahan.
He made these remarks while participating as the Chief Guest and delivering a special address at the World Soil Day event and the launch of the “Aruvadai” magazine held today – 12 December 2025 at the Capacity Development Hall, Kilinochchi District Secretariat .
Continuing his speech, the Governor said:
“In our desire for higher yields, the chemical fertilizers we applied to the soil have not only damaged the soil but have also made us ill. Kidney disease, once commonly found only in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, has now spread to Mullaitivu and Vavuniya. This is a very clear warning for us. The decline in the famous small-onion cultivation in some parts of Jaffna is because the soil has lost its fertility and become barren.
Farmers need not return to old methods, but they must adopt intelligent changes. Test your soil and apply only the nutrients it needs. This reduces expenses and protects the soil. Along with chemical fertilizers, make use of organic fertilizers such as compost and vermicompost. Avoid repeated monocropping; instead, rotate with nutrient-enriching crops such as green gram and black gram. Use technology and drip irrigation to provide your crops precisely what they need. This will double the yield.
Flood-waters may have receded, but the scars they left in your lives have not yet healed. Many of you stand helpless after losing the crops you lovingly cultivated and the livestock you raised like your own children. But I assure you, you are not abandoned. The government led by the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake fully understands your suffering. The appropriate compensations and livelihood assistance for all affected people will reach you very soon,” the Governor said.
Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture – Northern Province under the chairmanship of its Secretary Mr. S. Sivasri, the event included a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Ditwah disaster. Prizes were awarded to students who won competitions held in celebration of Soil Day. A public awareness exhibition organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, was inaugurated by the Hon. Governor and Hon. Minister R. Chandrasekar.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources, and Marine Resources Hon. R. Chandrasekar participated as Chief Guest alongside the Hon. Governor, while Kilinochchi District Secretary Mr. S. Muralitharan participated as Special Guest. Several government officials, farmers, and students were present in large numbers, including the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Dr. K. Bakeerathan.
