Programme to encourage tea smallholders
A programme has been launched to embolden the smallholders by upgrading “Tha Shakthi” factories.
Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe visited Elpitiya to look into the shortcomings in the factories. The Minister adverted attention to several problems, including worker issues, price paid for raw tea leaves and technological facilities. There are 12 “Tha Shakthi” factories throughout the counry, specially targeting the tea smallholders. The Minister was of the view that the smallholders can be enthused by making the factories more viable. The Minister was joined by Deputy Minister Salinda Dissanayake in this visit.