With the motive of furnishing reintegrated ex-LTTE combatants and several other destitute families in Vadamarachchi area with a stable economy, the Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna (SF-J), in collaboration with the Northern Governor’s office recently launched an Aloe Vera farming project.
Although the government provided sufficient vocational training to them during their stay under protective accommodation and rehabilitation in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Welikanda, some reintegrated ex-LTTE combatants reportedly faced some difficulties in finding jobs.
With those concerns in mind, the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna, Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, under the auspices of the Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, sought the assistance of the Northern Governor Major General (Retd) G.A. Chandrasiri to begin Aloe Vera farms in the Vadamarachchi area, whose soil has been tested best for the cultivation.
At the initial stage of the project, 54 families of rehabilitated ex-LTTE combatants, their relatives and other war-affected persons including woman-headed families were selected to grow Aloe Vera at domestic level.
An introductory seminar on the cultivation which is new to Jaffna was conducted by Dr. Mahinee Samarakoon, an expert in the field for potential Aloe Vera farmers of Mamunai, Thalaiady and Champianpattu areas on Sunday. A Co-operative Society was also formed for the Aloe vera farmers during the inauguration ceremony at Thalaiady Roman Catholic Tamil Mixed School.
Headquarters SF-J distributed tools needed for the farming project and 5000 Aloe Vera saplings at the inauguration, and by mid February 20000 more plants will be provided to the farmers. At the request of the Commander SF-J, Northern Province Governor’s office has allocated Rs. 1 million for the project.
Aloe Vera used abundantly for preparation of herbal medication has a healthy demand at local and international level. The area selected for Aloe Vera farming is sandy and not used by residents in those areas for any other cultivation. Soil experts and agriculturists recommend the area ideal for Aloe Vera farming.
Commander 551 Brigade Brigadier Hemantha Kulathunge, Commanding Officer 10 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Chamly Ratnayake and senior officers of the SF-J took part in the inaugural ceremony for cultivation.
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