Developing livestock sector is as important as constructing ports, airports and highways to make Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Inaugurating International Livestock and Poultry Expo 2011 at BMICH today, President Rajapaksa said the government has already taken measures to raise the nutrition level of the community with equal commitment to safeguard the democratic rights of the people by defeating terrorism.

The present interest shown by our people in agriculture is a very positive sign, the President added.

President Rajapaksa explained the importance of fully harnessing the modern technology while preserving traditional know how of cultivation and livestock farming.

International Poultry and Livestock Exhibition will be held from 7th to 9th July 2011.

The exhibition will consist of a Trade Fair and a Scientific Conference focusing on development, expansion and introduction of new technology for improving the poultry and livestock development in Sri Lanka.

More than 150 foreign and local officials are participating in this event which will be open to the public daily from 11.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.