Addressing the gathering President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted that while being fully committed to eradicate terrorism, he would also fight the 'kitchen' war by uplifting the national economy in the wake of rising global oil prices.

"The world has plunged into a severe food shortage reaching crisis levels. World summits have been called for to seek solutions.

"Nevertheless, having identified this grave and imminent danger in advance, our Government, with foresight prepared the 'Mahinda Chintanaya' to overcome this issue.

We are confident and have no hesitation whatsoever in battling this issue too via our 'Waga Sangramaya' (Agricultural War)", President Rajapaksa said. He pointed out that if they acted on the directives of certain international organisations, we would have been in a worse situation.

He noted that similar 'Agricultural Drives' had been launched from time to time in the past too. However, due to the impact of the 'Open Economy' policies it lacked vibrancy and failed.

This time, the whole nation should be fully committed and render their fullest assistance and co-operation to bring about a greater shift and an agricultural revolution, like in the era of our ancient Kings, if we are to reap the optimum benefits.

To achieve the envisaged goals, all ministries should put down their heads together for work, co-ordinate with mutual understanding with each other, setting aside petty political and other idealogies", he noted.

At meeting Minister of Agriculture Development Maithrepala Sirisena presented to the President, the plan of the national food production drive compiled by the presidential task force. Relevant documents were also handed over to a group of specialists responsible for the task of producing 32 crop varieties the import of which has been restricted.