13th February 2022 20:53:17 Hours
"The Sri Lanka Army while closely coordinating and observing the organic fertilizer production process is equally prepared to continue with awareness projects at all ground levels as well since the Army has that capacity, too. Not only that, if any logistic need or difficulty such as transportation of those raw materials or produced organic fertilizer stocks prevails, we would address and help resolve those issues too. Nothing is impossible and we will tackle them taking a positive stand, “so said General Shavendra Silva, Head, Green Agriculture Operations Center (GAOC), Chief of Defence Staff, and Commander of the Army addressing a forum of coordinators both physically and virtually on Friday (11).
Being very specific about the Army role, targeting the 'Yala' season in the national drive, he added that the coordination of many rounds of discussions on the subject had already been conducted and such consultations would continue in close liaison with District Secretariats, Agrarian experts, farming communities and state officials while noting their concerns. As HE the President said, sustained education sessions covering ground level contributors would benefit the objective of the project, for which the Army is ready to support. Those representatives are thus facilitated at district level to coordinate with 'Lak Pohora' Fertilizer Company, Fertilizer Secretariat, etc. " Our coordination and observer roles would continue, " General Shavendra Silva remarked.
Friday's meeting at the GAOC chaired by General Shavendra Silva as Head, GAOC was attended by State Minister of Agriculture Hon Shashindra Rajapaksa (MP), Secretary to Ministry of Agriculture Mr. D.M.L.D Bandaranayake, together with a representative gathering of decision-makers, state officials and other stakeholders. The participants at district level joined the session through zoom technology.
Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr D.M.L.D Bandaranayake welcomed all respective participants to the gathering and briefed them on the purpose of the meeting and roles of officials at different levels. He stated that the Ministry of Agriculture, State Ministry and the Green Agriculture Operations Center (GAOC) jointly launch the organic fertilizer production and distribution programme at national level and policy decisions have been taken to avoid practical issues that would erupt during 'Maha' season. The Secretary to Ministry of Agriculture urged all responsible persons to give their best cooperation and support for the success of the 'Green Agriculture Concept'.
State Minister of Agriculture Hon Shashindra Rajapaksa stated that the production and distribution of Carbonic fertilizer is implemented at district level with the involvement of each District Secretariat under the close supervision and guidance of the Green Agriculture Operations Centre. This fertilizer operation committee includes the District Secretary, District Agriculture Director, Provincial Deputy Agriculture Director, District Agrarian Commissioner, Green Agriculture Operations Centre representatives, etc. The whole responsibility of production of fertilizer, quantity, transportation, storage, distribution to the farmers, and observing of its use lies with respective district committees, the Minister told the participants.
Major General Indu Samarakoon, Chief Supervisor for Army Coordination and Logistic Commander Brigadier Chandana Arangalle, Coordinator at GAOC and several Officers were present at the meeting.
