The President made these remarks at the ceremony held to award certificates to Engineering Assistants of the Irrigation Training Institute at Galgamuwa , on Monday (07) at the BMICH.
President Sirisena also said that the responsibility of strengthening the agricultural economy, which has been built on sorrows, tears and blood of farmers, lies with the Irrigation Department. He further said that even though numerous investments and development projects flow into the country the contribution rendered by the farming community for the development of the national economy is unparalleled.
President Sirisena told the officials of the Irrigation Department the importance of the agricultural field must be bonded with their blood and further said that as a person who is born to a farming family near the Parakrama Samudraya, he has a feeling for the irrigation industry.
The President also said that the officials of the Irrigation Department must understand that farmers always suffer from economic and other issues and the relevant officials must act prudently when dealing with them.
The President presented certificates to 170 Diploma Holders in Engineering Assistants and 10 Awards were presented to 10 professionals who have completed 30 years of service at the Irrigation Department.
The President was also awarded a special souvenir by Minister Vijith Vijithamuni Soysa and Mr. D.B.U Vitana for his great service to our irrigation culture.
Newspaper ‘Ralapanaava’ launched by the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resource Management was presented to the President at this occasion.
The President pointed out if the farmers will be provided with water and fertilizer in the proper time and the market is found for their products, the minds of them will become calm. “It is essential to deal with the framers in a humane way, understanding their problems”, he said.
President Sirisena stated that agricultural policies established by D. S. Senanayake, initiating the movements of farmer villages, are suitable even for today. He said the service extended by the Irrigation Department from the past to date is praiseworthy.
The President pointed out that a large amount of water which is flowing through cannels is being wasted. He emphasized the importance of a proper water resource management.
Minister of Irrigation and Water Resource Management Vijith Wijayamuni Soysa, State Minister of Irrigation and Water Resource Management Wasantha Senanayake, Secretary to the Ministry R. M. W. Rathnayake and Irrigation Director General Engineer Abdul Majeed.
