The first phase of Sri Lanka’s national program to efficiently cultivate all uncultivated agricultural lands, launched in conjunction with the “Ekka Mitata – Govi Bimata” initiative, commenced today. The inaugural ceremony for the 2025 Yala season maize cultivation project was held at 10:00 Am at the Kantale Sugar Factory premises.
The event was presided over by K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Namal Karunaratne, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, and Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment.
“‘Ekka Mitata – Govi Bimata’”
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, shared his remarks:
“We expect to usher in a very positive future for the Kantale area. Land-related issues in this region will be resolved through discussions in the future. In some instances, special decisions regarding land may need to be made. We are working to provide long-term solutions for the livestock sector instead of temporary ones. It’s a significant advantage that several agriculture-related subjects have been brought together under a single ministry.”
Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha, also addressed the gathering, stating:
“The ‘Ekka Mitata – Govi Bimata’ program will cost 627 million rupees. Today, 10 million rupees have been allocated for this work. This amount is sufficient for the next few months to rehabilitate canals and agricultural roads. Under this program, each farmer will receive 10,000 rupees per acre. As this program progresses, some farmers and farmer organizations have raised concerns. I have asked them to voice these issues after this discussion.”
