Army-renovated tank fulfils Jaffna farmers’ aspirations
December 18, 2020Marking a milestone in civil-military solidarity and bonds of reconciliation in the Jaffna peninsula, Head of the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva ceremonially inaugurated the Army-renovated agricultural tank named ‘Uppu Vayalkulam’ in Vaddukoddai, Jaffna yesterday (Dec 17).
The project further enhances public interest and confidence in the Army's multifaceted nation-building prowess as well as its people-friendly commitment to uplift community welfare.
The waters in the tank would benefit 600 families in the Chankanai Divisional Secretariat and 4000 more acres of paddy fields could use its water.
The tank which provided adequate water resource years back for farming lands in surrounding villages had remained unattended and dried due to various reasons.
At the request of Farmers' Association President of Vaddukoddai Southwest, Dr Sidambaran Mohan and 'Friends of Jaffna', the non-governmental organization, the project was launched with ‘Thiyahie Charitable Trust’.
With the directions of Commander Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna, Maj. Gen. Senerath Bandara, 10 Field Regiment of Sri Lanka Engineers and 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry troops fully accomplished the mega renovation project within a few weeks using Army machinery in consultation with all respective state agencies including the Agrarian Development Department.
Religious dignitaries, District Secretary for Jaffna, Commander Security Forces - Jaffna, the Consul General of India in Jaffna Mr. S Balachandran, Additional Divisional Secretary (Land) Jaffna, Divisional Secretary of Walikamam West, Deputy Commissioner of Agrarian Development Department, farmers, civilians, Military Personnel and state officials were present to witness the inauguration ceremony.
