Paddy cultivation to resume in Thoppigala

[TamilNet, Friday, 19 October 2007, 11:26 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) announced granting permission for paddy cultivation to be resumed in 4000 acres of land abutting the Kudumpimalai area in Batticaloa Districtafter an interval of 17 years. The decision was taken at a special meeting held at Koran District Secretariat presided by V.Thavarasa, District Secretary (DS).



Many high ranking officials including Major.R.W.M.Jayakody, military co-coordinator for civilian affairs, M.Kanthasamy, Agricultural Development Officer from the Department of Agriculture attended the meeting.

Further to Thursday decision SLA issued a number of special instructions to the farmers in the area.

The first stage of agricultural activities will be restricted to Thikiliveddai, Koolaakaadu, Pulipaaynthakal, Paddiyadive'li, Koolavady, Kakku'laaseanai, Koaraave'li, according to local sources.

Since the pressure mines planted in various areas of Thoppilgala area has not been completely de-mined, the farmers have been advised to use Kiraan regional road until further notice.

SLA has granted permission to transport agricultural equipments, tractors and fuel required for farming related activities.

SLA has also advised that the farmers and labourers should submit their photographs certified by District Secretaries and that they are allowed to work in the fields during day time only.

Due to the recent military offensives in Thoppigala region, more than 10,000 acres of land was abandoned and the farmers in the area were severely affected and deprived of their source of income.