Let's move towards a self-sufficient country

 Let's move towards a self-sufficient country

             It seems that a people based on agriculture was born from the time when the land of Ceylon was inhabited, even by establishing their settlements along the river valleys.  As a result of the availability of all the factors of climate, fertile soil, strong, courageous and efficient human resources, the agrarian based settlement expanded.  Rainwater was a major requirement for agricultural lands.  To this end, our elephants collected water from rivers, which stretched across the ocean, by constructing dykes, and by constructing tanks in arid areas, and collecting enough water for the whole year.  Therefore, by the time of the Polonnaruwa period, the country was self-sufficient in rice and there is no information in history that there was a food shortage in the country even during the various riots.  In this way it is clear that we have precedents for a history of self-sufficiency.

             The challenge for us today is to make the future of Sri Lanka one of the most independent states in the world.  There is a major event that we need to focus on in this national effort to build a free and independent nation.  That is, self-sufficiency in the country.  That's our local food.  Sri Lankans have a delicious food system that is second to none in the world.  The other important thing is that the local cuisine is second to none in taste.  Accordingly, jackfruit, which is second only to rice, and cereals such as Kurakkan, sesame and millet also play an important role in nourishing the country.  Happily, a leading market for our food has been created among the world's energy foods.  In order to break the oppressive culture of asking for food by reaching out to foreigners, the self-sufficiency program of food in this country should be encouraged.

             To this end, the public sector as well as the private sector are now gearing up to implement various projects with the main objective of increasing the local food consumption pattern.  Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture is expanding a number of special programs to popularize local food and to familiarize the people of the country with Gamingama and Nagarayennara.  It is commendable that institutions such as the Divineguma Department are working to encourage such food producers.

             Even the Mahaweli Accelerated Development Movement launched in the country was expected to increase local food production by expanding agriculture by providing water to water deficient areas.  Even in modern times, various plant varieties have been introduced through the Gannoruwa Agricultural Training Institute and various programs have been implemented to encourage cultivation by introducing remedies for various plant diseases.

             There are many ways in which we as students can contribute to the national program of self-sufficiency.  We have the ability to enrich our garden with vegetables and fruits using the agronomic knowledge gained from the school.  Also, with the knowledge we gain through school subjects such as science and technology, health education, we can take the information about the nutritional value of local food to our homes and communities and instill the above knowledge in those roles, instantly changing the attitudes of those around us.  I think we as children can move towards an end to the food, foreign packet food culture.

 Here, the food crisis that has arisen in our country has now become impossible for us as students to look at as their prices rise. We are the future of the country. We must lay the foundation for the future development of our country.

             "Freedom is a great sea" This was taught by Ven. Mahinda Thera.  Freedom is living without being subject to anyone in any way and without being indebted.  If we create a nation that is not greedy for food and embraces our own things, we will feel the taste of our food well. We must always remember that it is the right path to a self-sufficient and free country.