Parallel to the event 56,088 ceremonies were held island-wide with the participation of nearly 200,000 people. At these functions 2.5 million packages of seeds and 1.26 million vegetable plants were distributed to strengthen 2.5 household economic units in the country.

Divi Neguma Phase 6 commenced at the auspicious time of 10.07 by planting saplings looking towards the East.

Divi Neguma Phase 1 began under the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s Direction on President Rajapaksa’s guidance in March 2011 with the objective creating a healthy self-sufficient society where families can grow in home gardens the vegetables and fruits they need for daily consumption.

In addition to vegetable plants and packages of seeds 1.6 million fruit plants, 2.5 coconut plants, 1 million plants for small export crops, 1.3 million plantation crops, 200,000 herbal plants and 1 million murunga plants will be distributed under Divi Neguma Phase 6 which began on Monday.

After the main ceremony 132,000 chicks and facilities for building 1,000 ponds to breed ornamental fish were also provided.  Under the Education Ministry’s direction initial steps were taken at the auspicious time to establish homegarden units in 10,012 schools.

The packages of seeds comprise seven varieties including karawila, beans,bandakka, radish, spinach, carrot, cabbages, beetroot, dambala and thampala suited to the local climate.

People’s representatives from every Grama Seva Division, Government representatives and community representatives participated in yesterday’s events to which people in the plantation, rural, urban and other sectors also contributed.

Further information on the Divi Neguma Programme may be obtained from the area’s Agricultural, Research and Production Assistant, Grama Niladhari, Economic Development Officer and Samurdhi Development Officer.Technical information can be obtained by contacting the area’s Technical Adviser or the Agriculrural Relief Service on 1920.

HC