News
Rajanganaya sour plantain growers earn USD 28,000 from exports in six months
By Ifham Nizam
The Rajanganaya Ambul Kesel (Sour Plantain) Plantation has earned USD 28,000 by exporting their produce in the first six months of this year.
Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday said that the Project, which is being implemented under the Agricultural Sector Modernization Project (ASMP), established to modernize Sri Lanka’s agriculture under World Bank assistance, was a huge success.
This cultivation has been established, targeting the international markets, and the project has also provided scientific and technical training to farmers in all aspects; harvesting, packaging, etc., according to international standards.
This plantation supplies 152,264 kilos of high quality sour plantains to the local market annually. It also supplies several foreign countries, and one metric tonne is sold at prices between USD 600-700, according to Project Director Rohan Wijekoon.
At present, 642 farmers, in Rajanganaya, have been selected for this cultivation and 160 have already started cultivation. The objective of this project is to engage all selected farmers to undertake sour plantain cultivation.
“It is difficult for the farmers to get income due to the traditional framework of agriculture, the Minister said. However, he said the ability of farmers to get high income, even with limited space, by using modern technology and new seeds, is clearly evident through the Rajanganaya Ambul Kesel Project, he added.
Minister Amaraweera recently visited Rajanganaya to review the progress of the project. SLPP MP Duminda Dissanayake and Project Director Dr. Rohan Wijekoon also participated in the event.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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