News
Empowering SL paddy farmers through Innovative Learning
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with European Union (EU), have launched a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the knowledge and practices of Integrated Plant Nutrient Management (IPNM) among paddy farmers across Sri Lanka. This initiative is marked by the commencement of a series of Farmer Field Days, starting with the inaugural Farmer Field Day in Polonnaruwa on 05 March and the introduction of the ground breaking digital learning platform, Nena Wagawa.
The inaugural Farmer Field Day, held under the theme “Fertile Soil for a Bountiful Harvest,” was inaugurated by Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives; Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative in Sri Lanka and the Maldives; and key representatives from the Department of Agriculture. 330 farmers and agriculture students from two schools participated, gaining hands-on experience and insights into the application of IPNM techniques for more sustainable and productive farming.
The Farmer Field Days are a key component of the RiceUP project, a collaborative effort between FAO and the Sri Lankan government, funded with Euro 4 million from the European Union. RiceUP aims to fortify the resilience of Sri Lanka’s food security system by advancing IPNM practices among smallholder farmers, thereby enhancing their livelihoods while boosting the production of quality paddy seeds for better productivity in paddy farming.
Central to this initiative is the launch of the Nena Wagawa digital learning platform, a pioneering step towards bringing IPNM knowledge directly to farmers. This online portal offers comprehensive e-learning courses in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, designed to educate farmers on the nuances of IPNM in paddy farming. Accessible from anywhere through internet-connected devices, nenawagawa.doa.gov.lk is set to revolutionize how farmers learn and apply sustainable agricultural practices.
The RiceUP initiative has already made significant strides, with 6,000 farmers across Ampara, Badulla, Hambantota, and Polonnaruwa districts receiving training on IPNM from 289 Agriculture Extension Officers. This training aims to promote the efficient use of fertilizers and other inputs, leading to reduced costs, improved productivity, and enhanced resilience against future agricultural challenges.
On the occasion, Johann Hesse expressed, “Our collaboration with FAO signifies a shared commitment to revitalizing Sri Lanka’s agriculture, addressing food shortages, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers. Together, we have supplied essential inputs like fertilizers and seedlings, meeting crucial needs within the sector. We anticipate that the ongoing EU grant, along with FAO’s technical assistance, will expedite the shift toward a more sustainable, resilient, and productive agriculture sector in Sri Lanka.”
Vimlendra Sharan FAO Representative in Sri Lanka thanked EU for its support in introducing sustainable and climate smart agronomic practices in Sri Lanka and shared FAO’s plans to scale up the training programme and take it to over 400,000 paddy farmers in the country.
The High Court has convicted 14 of the 24 men accused of being directly involved in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people.
The three-judge bench read out its decision on Tuesday after a five-year trial and said sentencing would take place later, the AFP news agency reported.
The charges included murder and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
Nine others were acquitted, while another defendant was found guilty of only some of the charges, the court said.
[Aljazeera]
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The ruling NPP yesterday (21) dismissed claims of a widening rift, within the government, over the proposed 22nd Amendment. Asked whether the NPP was concerned over a section of the Opposition alleging Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and two dozen MPs taking a view contrary to that of the party in this regard, authoritative party sources said some persons were propagating speculation for their own interest.
Declaring that there was absolutely no issue regarding the controversial Amendment, sources emphasised once it was tabled in Parliament, it would be passed with 2/3 majority.
Sources dismissed claims that out of its 159-member parliamentary group a section of NPPers was opposed to the government move. According to an influential Opposition activist, there are 57 JVPers and 66 NPPers in the government group and the rest contested the last parliamentary polls, having aligned with the JVP.
Ministerial sources told The Island that the government was confident of going ahead with the 22nd Amendment and Judicature (Amendment) Bills. Sources said that the NPP was not bothered about the Opposition protests in and outside Parliament.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne is expected to disclose the confidential ruling that he received from the Supreme Court in respect of more than 65 petitions for and against the 22nd Amendment and Judicial Amendment Bills. The enactment of the 22nd Amendment would pave the way for extending the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, from 65 to 67 years, and Court of Appeal judges, from 63 to 65 years.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Court of Appeal Judge Mayadunna Sri Mevan Anthony Edirimannasuriya Corea as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal.
The appointment has been made as President’s Counsel Nalin Rohantha Abeysuriya, who currently serves as President of the Court of Appeal, will be overseas until the 24th.
Accordingly Justice Mayadunna Corea was sworn in as Acting President of the Court of Appeal before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential secretariat last morning (21).
Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present at the occasion.
High Court convicts 14 over deadly Easter bombings
Mandhana, Shafali and Ghosh lead dominant India to Asian Games gold
Fatima Sana and Umm-e-Hani secure bronze for Pakistan in Asian Games
India bat first in Asian games womens cricket final
Showers about 100mm will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts
Govt. confident of 2/3 majority despite NPP split speculation
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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