Dimo Battas distributed among coconut industrialists

The Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Ministry has taken measures to distribute Dimo Batta vehicles to people who engage in coconut related industries, said Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara.

Distribution of Dimo Battas by Minister Jagath Pushpakumara Picture by Ruwan De Silva

Participating at the Dimo Batta vehicles distribution ceremony held yesterday at the ministry premises, Minister Pushpakumara said that under the Kapruka Purawara program which was launched under the Mahinda Chinthanaya the Ministry started a number of programs to encourage people who engage in coconut related industries. About 50 Dimo Batta vehicles have already been distributed and the ministry plans to provide another 250 vehicles this year.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa mentioned in his budget speech said that the the ministry should take measures to cultivate 6 million coconut saplings in 2012. The ministry has already taken measures to plant 9 million coconut saplings. The ministry has also taken measures to give priority to the development of coconut related industries. There is a huge demand for coconut shells in both local and foreign markets. I request people to collect coconut shells, and husks, which will be purchased through Kapruka Purawara committees. This will be a great opportunity for people, as they will be able to earn additional income of at least 5000 rupees a month.

Coconut Development Ministry Secretary Anurura Siriwardane and many other ministry officials participated at the occasion.