Tamil.Net reports that, Industries of Trincomalee District (CCITD) Sunday morning declared open a small industries project making rice flour-based food items in a hamlet Potkerni in Thampalakamam, a traditional Tamil village, about 24 km southwest of Trincomalee town.The project is funded by the Mercy Corps, an international non-governmental organization with its headquarters in USA at a cost of one million rupees. This is a self-generating project for about thirty war affected women, some are widows residing in Potkerni are engaged in the manufacture and marketing of noodles, rice flour, and crispy flat-bread made of black-gram, sources said.
The implementing partner of the project is Potkerni Rural Development Society (PRDS). Mr.K.Thiruchelvam, President of the PRDS presided over the event.
Mr. Thiruchelvam said that current production is about 900 kg of rice flour and flat-braed a month under this project. The demand is for about 1800 kg and therefore marketing of the products will not be an issue, he said.
The beneficiaries working in the project were taken to Killinochchi and given eight-day training in a pappadam manufacturing and other related food items.
Beneficiaries are now being paid monthly about Rs 2000 and after six months the amount will be increased to eight thousand rupees a month, he said. The Bank of Ceylon also has agreed to provide three-year period soft loan to beneficiaries to develop the industry, he said.
Mr.Rajarammohan said society should extend their support to this worthy venture that transforms many welfare recipients into productive workers.
Mr.S.Kugathas, Trincomalee branch manager of the BoC also spoke.
Photo: War affected women with Potkerni RDS President Mr.Thiruchelvam to receive the guests.
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