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Second stage of Jak Project launched

by Florence Wickramage

"In furthering the Jak Development and familiarisation program it was important to change the attitudes of the people with regards to the Jak fruit and educate them about its nutritional and medicinal values. From ancient times the Jak fruit has been closely associated with the social life, cultural and religious beliefs of the people," Minister of Samurdhi R. A. D. Sirisena said in Homagama yesterday.

The Samurdhi Minister who was present on behalf of Minister Bandula Gunawardene was speaking at the ceremonial launching of the second stage of the Lake House Jak Development Project at the Vidyakeerthi Vidyalaya at Niyandagala, Homagama, where schoolchildren participated in the Jak Sapling planting program.

"A shortage of food in the country occurred in the aftermath of the World War II. During this period the Jak fruit played an important role in the lives of the people as an alternate food to alleviate hunger. The Jak Triangle came into being thereafter which included Jak tree prevalent areas such as Gampaha and Sabaragamuwa. Names of villages and towns originated from places where there was an abundance of and to this date some of those names such as Koswatte, Kosgama, Koslande, Kosgashandiya etc. are still in use," Minister Sirisena said.

"There were 17 varieties of Jak and with modern technology Jak products could be used widely as an income and employment generating tool as well as enter the international market, the Minister further observed.

The launching of the Jak project by Lake House was a preventive measure for the impending period of starvation predicted for the year 2005," he said.

Highlights at this ceremony were the launch of the Sevana Lottery's "Hapana" an instant prize-awarding lottery ticket and the handing over of the first contribution by Chairman National Lotteries Board Imitiyaz Islmail to the Chairman of the Jak Development Project and Director Editorial of Lake House Bandula Padmakumara.

Among others who addressed the function were Silumina Editor Tilakaratne Kuruwita Bandara, Almon Peiris representing Western Provincial Council Chief Minister, President Haritha Mithuro Priyantha Saman Kumara and Janitha Dissanayake, Coordinating Secretary to Minister of Rural Economy and Deputy Minister, Finance, Bandula Gunawardene. The Jak Song and a cultural dance item were presented by schoolchildren. Chairman Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha Manju Sri Arangala and a host of other officials, school principals and teachers were also present.

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