“Kithul” Cultivation to be developed in the 120 Divisional Secretariat Divisions

Wed, 2012-04-11 01:55 — editor

News

Colombo, 11 April, (Asiantribune.com):

Douglas Devananda, Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development at a discussion he had with Media personnel declaring open the “Kithulaka Varuna”– 2012 Exhibition held at “Sudarshi” Hall, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo, stated that “Kitul” cultivation will be methodically developed in the 120 Divisional Secretariat Divisions where it was found to be widely spread.

The Minister expressing his views further said that his Ministry had been conducting the “Kithulaka Varuna” Exhibition and Trade Fair annually in order to encourage the producers of “Kithul” based products and the industrialists engaged in the Trade, and added that to realize this objective at the end of the exhibitions, awards, certificates and even prizes were presented to those with excellent performances.

He also said that those who desired to purchase quality “Kithul” products, especially, treacle and jaggery in the festive season could do so by visiting the Trade Stalls at the exhibition. It was an opportunity awaiting for the “Kithul” flavour concions Colombo city and suburb consumers and Foreigners to purchase their requirements, stated the Minister.

Speaking at length, the Minister said that the, Government’s intention was to develop the “Kithul” based products Industry as a domestic industry with the help of the Ministry of Economic Development, and for this purpose the Treasury as well as the Ministry of Economic Development had set aside Rs. 10 million and Rs. 12.5 million, respectively.

Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapakse, Senior Minister, A.H.M. Fowzie; Mrs. Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Technology and Research; Mr. Thilaga Sumathipala, Colombo District, Member of Parliament; Mr. V. Sivagnanasothy, Secretary to the Ministry of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development; Mr. K. Samarasinghe, and Mrs. Adhikari, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry and several Ministry officials participated at the occasion.

- Asian Tribune -