Army Agricultural Instructors Educate Civil Farmers

A three-month long educational training programme on ‘Agriculture and its Productive Practices’ conducted for selected civilian farmers by the Army Directorate of Agriculture and Livestock on the directions of the Commander, Security Forces - Kilinochchi Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana and under the guidance of the Director, Agriculture and Livestock, ended at Nachchikuda and Vellankulam Farms during simple ceremonies on Wednesday (5).

The three-month long course was initiated on 8 January 2017 to suit the ongoing national programme on Agriculture. 25 civil farmers and 06 soldiers at Nachchikuda Farm and 27 civil farmers at Vellankulam Farm followed those courses.

During the three-month course, civil farmers were enlightened on both theoretical and practical knowledge on Crop Cultivation, Livestock Management, Agro Equipment Management and methods of Water Supply at respective farms.

Clossing address and certificate awarding ceremonies were conducted separated at the Vellankulam and Nachchikuda farms. Major General SarathWeerwardena, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 65 Division and Brigadier Duminda Keppetiwalana, GOC, 66 Division graced occasions as Chief Guests and awarded certificates to the trainees.

Brigadier Duminda Keppetiwalana, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 66 Division distributed poultry and beehive boxes to the trainees as support by the Army to sustain their livelihoods.

Captain B.B.U.R Bandara, Captain R.M.B Rathnayake and Captain B.G.K Eranda of the Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps (SLAGC) conducted informative lectures under the Directorate of Agriculture and Livestock.

Religious leaders, Senior Officers, Officers, Other Rankers and a group of civilians also contributed to the occasions.