Sri Lanka, July 9 -- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed the National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, Northern Province Development and Youth Affairs Ministry to develop the province's palmyrah industry with a special allocation of Rs 100 million, Ministry Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy told the Daily News yesterday.

The move to boost the flagging Northern industry comes in the wake of the Premier's recent visit to the province.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe directed authorities in the Northern Province to take necessary action to boost the industry with the objective of increasing exports of palmyrah-based jaggery and other related sap products, which while enjoying high demand in the island, are ...