Over 300 acres given back to farmers after de-mining in Ariyalai - Jaffna

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Over 300 acres given back to farmers after de-mining in Ariyalai - Jaffna
30 Sep 2010 - 08:50
Due to speedy demining process underway in war torn areas in the Northern Province, over 300 acres of paddy fields in Ariyalai East were given back to their original owners on Tuesday (29 Sep).
The event was organized in parallel to the grand "Vap Magula" ceremony in "Maha" season.
Ariyalai East in the Nallur Divisional Secretariat remained a restricted area for civilians until Army Engineers cleared the area of mines laid by the LTTE.
Governor Northern Province Major General (Retd) G.A. Chandrasiri made a special note of thanks to Commander Security Forces - Jaffna Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe and all Army personnel who took a tireless effort for the farmers to resume their livelihood.
The event was coincided with distributing of Agriculture equipment among the farmers from the allocations of the Governor's fund. Thirteen hand tractors and paddy seed were issued free, while seventeen more hand tractors, water pumps and a stock of fertilizer were given at concessionary rates. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Department of Jaffna organized the "Vap Magula" ceremony with assistance of the Army.
This first ploughing or "Vap Magula" in Jaffna took place on Tuesday with participation of Chief Guest Hon. Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Mr. Douglas Devananda, Governor Northern Province Maj. Gen. (Retd) G.A. Chandrasiri and District Secretary Jaffna Mrs. Emelda Sukumar.
A large crowd including religious leaders in the area, a number of officers of the Agriculture and administrative sector, senior Army officers and thousands of farmers were present.