CASP opens Akkaraipattu office

The Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership (CASP) held opening ceremonies for its new Rebuild Ampara project office in Akkaraipattu on April 1st. This office is situated along the Akkaraipattu-Kalmunai Main Trunk Road and is now in full operation.

Mr. Victor Petrescu, CASP's Project Co-director, and his partner, Ms. Cristina Dan, organized and attended the function to mark this occasion. They were received by the Akkaraipattu staff on arrival, with Ms. Deepah welcoming Ms. Dan with a bouquet of flowers.

The office was declared open by Mr. Petrescu's cutting of the ribbon. There was also the traditional lighting of the oil lamps, as it is the usual practice of the Hindus and Buddhists in this area to light oil lamps at all functions or to start anything new. This is a symbol of the hope for prosperity and success, like the flames of the oil lamp that light up everything forever. Mr. Petrescu delivered a message to the staff and others about working together with dedication and honesty to obtain CASP's objectives for Ampara District. Gender Specialist Dr. Anuziya Senathirajah and Manager Vijitha Imbuldeniya also gave short speeches.

Others in attendance at this simple ceremony included: Kalmunai Manager Ifthi Mirza, Consultant MIM Sadath, Communication and Community Participation Specialists MIMS Anwar & MA Phakurdeen, Gender Specialist Mrs. Thilaka Pathmanathan, Technology Specialist Asanka, Landlord Representative A. Samsudeen, and Research Assistant Ms. Deepah and her family members.