Another phase of the 'Eka Mitata – Govi Bimata' program was held at Siyambalanduwa Buddhama Havenarawa

In accordance with the government policy of 'A Thriving Nation– A Beautiful Life', under the 'Eka Mitata – Govi Bimata' program, the development of canal systems of Miyaketu Ara, Yabarattawa Tank and Buduruwahinna Tank, and the restoration of the tank bund, spillway, and outlet of Havenarawa Tank were held 25/08/2025 at Siyambalanduwa Buddha Havenarawa. Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha participated as the chief guest at this occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister expressed his views:

'We are at a national decision that we don't involve children on such occasions. We are of the opinion that there's no need for politicians to be accepted by offering betel. Think about this when carrying out activities in the future.

“We have to take our agriculture industry forward a big leap. The farming life has completely collapsed. We want to eliminate the poverty of the farming community and bring them to a somewhat middle-class level. We don't want a poor farmer. Even though it is a difficult task that must be done. The President has brought together all the institutions needed for agriculture under one Ministry. Previously they were scattered under separate portfolios, but now that's not necessary. The first change we made was to bring all the national-level agricultural institutions that were in various places under one ministry. At some times, there has been a minister only for Mahaweli.”

"We expect to involve the farming community and bring their living standards to a higher level, and to create food security in our country. We need to produce food for our children without any shortage. That is the responsibility we have. For that purpose, we created several programs. When preparing the 'Eka Mitata – Govi Bimata' program, we involved everyone from the Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Development to those working in the districts. These programs are not Lalkantha's programs. No matter how many programs we bring or how much money we allocate, if the village farmer organizations, farming community, our local councilors, the member of parliament of the area, and the media - if all of these don't examine at the grassroots level whether the necessary things are happening, whether there is speed, whether theft, corruption, and fraud are occurring, then this work will not be carried out properly."

"There is a serious problem we face during irrigation restoration. We start the Maha cultivation season after October 15th. Scientifically, our tanks are filled by the northeast monsoon. We must complete these restorations before that. No other institution has this challenge. They can carry out development activities throughout the year. Carrying out these things within a short time frame is a challenge. If political leadership, public service, and the public - all three come together, these development activities can be completed properly."

A group including Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Development Mr. Rohana Rajapaksa, Monaragala District Secretary, Divisional Secretaries, and others participated on this occasion.