The Minister said so while addressing a ceremony held recently to distribute agrarian equipments and financial assistance among 550 farmer families of Kotapola, Pitabeddara and Pasgoda Divisional Secretariats in Matara District for their efforts to conserve soil by putting up erosion barriers.

Minister Abeywardena said: “According to the President, he is not the owner but the guardian of this country. He saved this country from brutal terrorism and ushered in peace. Therefore, we are duty bound to acknowledge our gratitude by protecting the President from anti-Lankan forces against him.”

Under the instructions of the President, an initiative had been launched to provide Rs 5,000 per acre to tea small holders to put up barriers preventing soil erosion, the minister said adding that once an inch of soil is eroded it would take 80 more years for the recovery. Thus the farmers should pay attention for the soil conservation and the best way to protect soil against erosion was to put branches and leaves of Gliricidia which is commonly known as Ginisiriya so that it would prevent erosion while serving as a carbonic fertilizer. Using carbonic fertilizer would help tea small holders obtain bigger harvest and more income, the minister added.

The event had been organized by the Hadabima Authority (HA). It was attended by officials of the HA and members of the Pradeshiya Sabhas in the region. (Special Reporter/HC)