– Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi

The Knuckles Range, world heritage site, is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the Central Highlands. Pavithra Vanniarachchi, Minister of Irrigation and Wildlife Conservation, said that the present government has implemented the “Knuckles Conservation Project” under the Ministry of Irrigation to protect this picturesque area located 1906 m above sea level and spanning an area of 21,000 hectares.

She also emphasised that a sustainable programe should be implemented to uplift the economic strength of around 13 lakhs of farming and plantation families living in the Knuckles mountain area through this project.

The minister made these comments in a discussion held today at the Ministry of Irrigation regarding the upcoming work programme carried out by the “Knuckles Conservation Project”.

She further stated that improving the land and water management system, protecting the highly sensitive forest system and directing the farmers to implement organic agro-industrial methods while preserving environmental friendliness are the main objectives of the project.

The Minister said that US$ 39.775 million from the Green Climate Fund and US$ 9.200 million from the Government of Sri Lanka are to be spent for the implementation of the entire project and explained to the officials that this money should be appropriated for the betterment of the people.

The minister explained that the main objective of the current government is to uplift the agricultural economy of the people living in remote areas of the country, and for that it is important to provide them with technical assistance.

A group of officials including Minister of State for Irrigation Shashindra Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation, Saman Darshana Padikorala, Project Director Chandi Atugola and others participated.