A certificate awarding ceremony for trainees who successfully completed Palmyrah-based handicraft training programmes in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts was held at the Batticaloa Municipal Hall under the patronage of the Chairman of the Palmyrah Development Board, Mr. R. Raveenthiran.
The event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Plantation and Social Infrastructure, Hon. Sundaralingam Pratheepan, as the Chief Guest. Special Guests included Member of Parliament for Batticaloa District, Dr. Ilayathamby Sreenath, and District Secretary of Batticaloa, Mr. J. S. Arulraj, who also took part in awarding the certificates.
Certificates were presented to trainees who completed six-month and one-year courses, while several beneficiaries received valuable equipment to further encourage Palmyrah-based production activities.
Currently, over 1,500 families in the Batticaloa District are engaged in the production of Palmyrah handicrafts and value-added products, which are also exported to international markets.
The event was also attended by representatives of the National People’s Power in Batticaloa, District Coordinator of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Irrigation and Livestock Mr. K. Thilaganathan, District Coordinator for Tourism, Ms. Vanitha Sellapperumal, Deputy General Manager of the Board, Mr. S. Srivijendran, and Regional Coordinator, Mr. T. Vijayan, along with key officers and staff of the Board.
