John Keells Foundation (JKF), the Corporate Responsibility entity of the John Keells Group organized a `Govi Hamuwa’ for the benefit of farmer organizations of the Morawewa DS Division in collaboration with Morawewa Irrigation Project Management Office (Morawewa Major Irrigation Projects) and World Vision Lanka on the 19th of April 2018.

Govi Hamuwa, was organized to introduce cash crops which require less water for cultivation as well as to facilitate market linkages with potential buyers in order to enhance their average income during the Yala season by managing the limited water resource. Thereby uplifting their livelihoods and empowering them to build and develop themselves and their communities in a sustainable and entrepreneurial manner. The Govi Hamuwa was attended by 72 farmers from 11 farmer organisations. Officials representing John Keells Group business such as Ceylon Cold Stores and Keells Super as well as Ceylon Biscuit Limited, CIC Agri Business and Prima Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd were present at the forum to educate the farmers. The forum concluded with a panel discussion that discussed various aspects of cultivation including fruit and vegetable cultivation, maize cultivation, ground nuts cultivation and quality standers of post harvesting maize providing the farmers with valuable insights and information through case studies and success stories.

JKF has been working in Morawewa North in collaboration with World Vision Lanka supporting the lives and livelihoods of the villagers since 2014 and has been actively involved in the implementation of a sustainable development programme including basic infrastructure, livelihoods, school and youth development and gender empowerment. These activities are carried out under the focus areas of Livelihood Development which is aimed at poverty alleviation at village level through a sustainable and integrated development programme planned and implemented in collaboration with relevant stakeholders with the aim of empowering the nation for tomorrow.