Planters should rally round Sri Lankan President, says Planter’s Society President
View(s):The Ceylon Planter’s Society (CPS) has urged its members to rally round the political leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who has eradicated terrorism and launched a number of mega development projects.
“We should take a close look at the progress Sri Lanka has achieved since, President Rajapakse took office, when terrorism was at its peak and the country was in shambles and hence it is the duty of the planters to pledge their strong support to the president Rajapakse and strengthen the hands of the leader who had liberated the nation,” noted CPS President Suresh Navaratnam, speaking at the 78th AGM of the CPS at the Water’s Edge in Colombo recently.
The Chief Guest was Gamini Lokuge, Minister of Labour and Labour Relations while the Guest of Honour was Basil Rajapakse, Minister of Economics Developments.
In the proceedings released to the media by Lalin I. De Silva, former Editor, CPS bulletin on behalf of the organisation, Mr. Navaratnam explained the grave situation the plantation industry, saying that some of these grievances are significant and serious. Some of the major issues are:
*Felling and selling of state-owned trees in the state-governed plantation sector.
*Issues related to Chilaw Plantations Ltd.
*Depleted condition in some of the company (RPC’s) estates.
*The Tea cess tax which has affected the profitability of the industry.
*Extension up to 60 years for Managers and Asst. Managers.
He said the allegations against some of the corporate sector companies will be clearer once the budget proposal to undertake a comprehensive assessment of under-performing plantation companies is undertaken. The Chilaw Plantations problems, he said began with the appointment of Mr. A.M. Chandrapala as working Director. “We are deeply concerned not only about our members but also of the industry. The actions of the present management of Chilaw Plantations have been futile. The number of incidents of mismanagement and abuse of state finances is an area of great concern,” he said.
Mr. Navaratnam requested Minster Rajapaksa to take up these matters with the authorities concerned and the minister agreed to do so though it is not in his purview. The society has all relevant data/documents related to Chilaw Plantations issues.
Minister Rajapakse in his address said that the government is doing everything necessary for the long term sustainability and prosperity of the industry with enhanced subsidies on replanting, fertilizers, etc. He further said that the welfare of the workers such as housing, electricity, health (hospitals) are attended and provided free of charge.
With regard to the Tea Cess, the Minister said that the tax is not adequate to compensate for the benefits given by the government. He further said the government will be gearing itself to meet any challenge in the future.