The Dewahuwa Rice Processing Centre which was commenced by the Galewela Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society about 10 years ago to provide quality rice to people at low rates, is overgrown with shrubs at present.
Villagers request the government to reopen this centre for the benefit of the villagers.
The villagers said that it provided a great benefit for the people. It was supposed to purchase paddy in Devahuwa and surrounding villages and provide rice for consumers. To the dismay of the villagers, it came to an end when the former Good Governance Government did not take measures to recommence it despite numerous requests made by the villagers.
The rice-processing centre was opened on November 21, 2010, by then Minister Janaka Bandara Thennakoon to mark the 65th birthday of the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the occasion of assuming duties for the second time in the Office of the President.
In this regard, the buildings were constructed and the necessary machines were installed, spending a large sum of money and a few individuals were employed there. However, later the rice processing was completely abandoned.
The people said that corruptions, frauds and other malpractices by the authorities had directly resulted in the closure of the premises.
They said that the Co-operative Department could have taken legal action against those frauds and malpractices. But, those officers neglected to do so, the people allege.
So, they request the government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to take immediate action to reopen the rice processing centre for the benefit of the poor.
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