11th July 2021 07:15:42 Hours
In a mega project of cultivation that coincides with the “Thuru Mithuru - Nawa Ratak” drive of the Commander of the Army, the Security Force HQ-Jaffna on Saturday (10) planted over 700 coconut saplings at every possible place such as inside religious compounds, state compounds, Army camps, barren lands and private lands in the Jaffna peninsula after a brief inaugural occasion.
The project, suggested by General Shavendra Silva, Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army for the benefit of future generations in the peninsula, was accordingly launched by Major General Priyantha Perera, Commander, Security Forces- Jaffna.
The project exclusively planted coconut saplings in a 10-acre land of the Bishop’s Estate at Eluthumaduwal with the blessings of the clergy. Coconut saplings for this project was provided by Hon Arundika Fernando, State Minister of Coconuts, Kithul, Palmyrah and Rubber Cultivation Promotion and Related Industrial Product Manufacturing and Export Diversification.
Major General Priyantha Perera, Commander Security Force - Jaffna, together with Vicar General of the RC Diocese of Jaffna Rev Fr. P.J Jebaratnam graced the event as chief guests. Rev Fr Eugene Francis of HUDEC and CARITAS - Jaffna attended the inauguration of thee cultivation drive.
Major General Harendra Peris, General Officer Commanding - 52 Division, Brigadier Janaka Wijesiri - 522 Brigade Commander, Commanding Officers of under Command Battalions, Senior Officers, Government officials and troops of the 52 Division also joined the drive, sticking to strict health guidelines.
