With the support of the Batticaloa Regional Office of the Palmyrah Development Board, a handicraft training completion and opening ceremony aimed at improving the livelihoods of women who received handicraft training was held on 28 April 2026 at 10.00 a.m. at Veloor College, Kallady, Batticaloa.
The programme included the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, religious observances, and the opening of the handicraft training centre. Mr. T. Vijayan, Batticaloa Regional Coordinator of the Palmyrah Development Board, delivered the welcome address. This was followed by the guest address delivered by the Divisional Secretary of Manmunai North. The event was graced by Hon. Sundaralingham Pradeep, Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Facilities, as the Chief Guest.
As part of the ceremony, tools and equipment were distributed to the handicraft trainees, while certificates were also awarded to the participants. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks. According to the organizers, the handicraft training programme was implemented to create self-employment opportunities for women and support their economic advancement.
During the Hon. Deputy Minister’s visit, he also met with palmyrah-based producers in the area and held discussions with them. The discussions focused on the challenges faced by the producers in palmyrah-related production activities and on ways to improve their livelihoods. The Deputy Minister stated that the Government gives priority to improving the livelihoods of palmyrah-based producers and assured that steps would be taken to provide practical solutions to the challenges they face.
