Approval has been granted to provide National Vocational Qualification – 3 level certificates for those engaged in tapping Palmyrah, Coconut and Kithul trees and those plucking coconuts.
The National Apprenticeship Board will provide a two-week formal training for those engaged in the relevant professions before awarding of these National Vocational Skills Certificates. During the training they will also be made aware of the procedures to be taken during sudden illness, snake bites and falling from trees.
It has also been planned to provide Rs.500,000 loan assistance at a subsidized interest rate to people engaged in these activities for self-employment or business development.
In addition to this, attention has also been paid to creating a system of providing insurance to people engaged in the above professions. Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board will handle the above initiatives under the instructions of Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.
Buddhika Imbulana