I would like to know what more we can do to support you. What else we can do to move forward. I think it is very important said Mr. Faris. H. Hadad-Zervos, Country Director of the World Bank at a special ceromancy organized to lay the foundation stone to commence the construction work of the Farm Field School at Thirappane on 22nd this month.
The World Bank Country Director, Ms. Chiyo Kanda, Country Manger and other officials were welcomed by Eng. R.M. B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, staff of the CSIAP and farmers, and escorted to the ceremonial ground by a cultural procession. The Country Director and Country Manager unveiled the plaque of the FFS. Secondly, distinguished guests planted saplings to remark the event and laid foundation stones with the Project Director, CSIAP and farmers. The project Director of CSIAP made the welcome speech and the Country Director addressed the audience. Both male and female farmers had an opportunity to express their ideas on FFS to World Bank officials. Architect Mr. Sajith Sivayogaraj explained the architectural design of the FFS. The CSIAP’s North Central Province (NCP) led by Mr. Lakshman Premanath, Deputy Project Director (NCP) and his staff organized the above event. All participants were treated with traditional Sri Lankan sweets.
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| The Country Director addresses the audience |
I thought of coming to see the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project. But, you made us too much by planting trees and laying stones. It is an honour to be here I come from a family of farmers. My grandfather was a farmer in Lebanon. He was planting grapes. He moved to Mexico where my father was born. He was planting maize too. When I came here I understand that I have been to the farm. I understand what you have gone through. I understand the situation and challenges you have due to climate change, the country director added.
Continuing the speech, Mr. Hadad-Zervos said, I am so happy that this project is moving. There is an expression that a good gardener is always working with the best tools, not because of tools but because he is a good gardener. I do not want to say anything. I have nothing to give in terms of wisdom. You have infinitely more wisdom than I do. I would love to hear from you.
I think the role of the farmer is the most honourable job in the world. It is hard hard-working and sincere one. But I know every farmer including my family, wants their sons to become doctors and engineers. We have to make sure that you have productive work. You are able to realize the same ambition for your children, that I have for mine. Please keep letting us know through the project team what else we need to do, we promise. I am very happy that work has been done. We accelerate and we will move faster. We have 900 water tanks systems to develop. We need to focus on this. Speed is more important.
Mr. S.Manoharan, Senior Consultant (Agriculture, Food & Rural Development), Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist, Mr. Asela Dissanayake, Senior Operations Officer representing the World Bank office-Sri Lanka, representatives of the implementing agencies, Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, Deputy Project Directors from the Project Management Unit and Provincial Offices, Specialists, other staff of the CSIAP and farmers were present in this ceromancy.
