China has highlighted its possession of advanced technology for developing hybrid rice varieties capable of cultivation even in seawater, along with methods for preparing land adaptable to both dry and wet climatic conditions.

These innovations were presented as part of discussions with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K. D. Lalkantha on Monday (14).

China has also developed systems to manage agricultural activities by measuring environmental factors such as soil suitability and moisture through mobile applications, and expressed readiness to extend this technical cooperation to Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Wei Huaxiang affirmed that China is prepared to provide advanced technical assistance to support the development of Sri Lanka’s agriculture. 

His focus was particularly on greenhouse cultivation and sustainable farming practices, which he identified as priority areas for collaboration.

The Ministry of Agriculture noted that the discussions emphasized the importance of integrated development by linking the sectors of services, industry, and agriculture. 

Both sides also explored future cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, and livestock, while reaffirming the commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.

The Ministry’s Secretary, who joined the talks, outlined Sri Lanka’s current agricultural status, stating that the country is self‑sufficient in rice and produces 50 percent of its maize requirement locally. 

He added that most agricultural machinery is imported from China, and expressed gratitude for the technical training programs provided by the Chinese government for Sri Lankan farmers.

Chinese companies have already contributed to large‑scale irrigation projects in Sri Lanka, and further technical cooperation is expected for upcoming initiatives, the Secretary said. (Newswire)

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The Irrigation Department has commenced renovation of the Kachchimaduwa Tank, which was damaged during the Ditwah disaster, with an estimated investment of Rs. 200 million. 

The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Lal Kantha said agriculture today faces multiple challenges, particularly ensuring fair and just prices for farmers’ produce. 

“If there is no proper price and economic benefit in the market, cultivation is useless. Generally, our country’s farmers are poor. The main responsibility entrusted to our Ministry is to eliminate that poverty,” he said.

He noted that while the government has allocated significant funds for irrigation, gaps in the public service have made implementation difficult. He added that religious leaders enrich spiritual life, while the government’s duty is to build secular life.

On paddy harvests, the Minister said the government cannot rely solely on state warehouses for purchases. Small and medium‑scale mill owners will be included, with interest‑free loans of Rs. 250 million each provided through the Treasury. 

Large‑scale mill owners will also purchase paddy at the government’s declared price. He further pledged to introduce new technology to address the issue of wet paddy.

The Minister urged farmers to diversify income sources by focusing on livestock as well as crops. He highlighted efforts to increase yields, noting that while some areas produce only 80 bushels per acre, others achieve 200 bushels. 

A programme under the Agriculture Department is being implemented to raise productivity, with farmers encouraged to follow departmental recommendations rather than tradition.

He pointed out that maize is the main crop for animal feed, with an annual requirement of 700,000 metric tons, but only 300,000 metric tons produced locally.

Imports of the remaining 400,000 metric tons have been halted, with rice now being used instead. Producing other products from rice, he said, can strengthen farmers’ incomes.

Minister Lal Kantha emphasized the importance of using both chemical and organic fertilizers in paddy cultivation. He said the government is committed to strengthening farmers by providing fertilizer subsidies and irrigation facilities.

He concluded by stressing that the Ministry’s primary responsibility is to ensure food security and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods, which requires their active participation. (Newswire)

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Minister of Agriculture K.D. Lal Kantha says the government is preparing a long‑term program to expand the use of rice beyond its role as the country’s staple food.

“From paddy, rice is produced, and attention has been directed to using rice not only for the main food of meals but also for other productions,” he stated, in a post on social media.

He further stressed that removing obstacles and safeguarding farmers through market competition form the backbone of this plan. 

“Protecting the farmer through market competition is the government’s long‑term program. Preparations are currently underway to implement these measures,” Lal Kantha added. (Newswire)

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Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock K.D. Lal Kantha accused certain media institutions of impeding national progress by highlighting shortcomings in government programs, warning that such practices create problematic situations.

He made the remark while speaking as the chief guest at the launch of the digitalization program for Sri Lanka’s seed system at the Plant and Genetic Resources Centre in Gannoruwa.

“We have now digitized the country’s seed system. From today, anyone can obtain anything related to seeds through this digital technology. But in this country, certain media will definitely go to a field tomorrow, catch a farmer, hold out a microphone and ask what digital means. They will ask whether we understand these things, whether we have smartphones, whether we have internet, and whether we understand this. They will ask only two farmers and publish it in the media. That is what keeps happening. Now we say that fertilizer is available for the Yala season. These media will show that too, go to the farmers and take statements from them saying they did not receive fertilizer. That is the situation. Nothing positive is allowed to be done. They drag things backwards. Overcoming all this, to take agriculture to the highest level, we will definitely use modern technology and digital communication,” he said.  

Minister Lal Kantha stressed that despite such challenges, modern technology and digital communication would be used to elevate agriculture to the highest level. (Newswire)

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Restoration work on the historic Elahera Anicut commenced on Sunday (10) under the national programme “Wari Mahima – Our Heritage”. 

The project was launched with the participation of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Buddhist, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Deputy Minister of Housing Construction and Water Supply T.B. Sarath.

The Elahera Anicut, a world heritage site severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, is being restored in its initial phase with an estimated allocation of Rs. 309,144,000.

Speaking at the event, Minister Lal Kantha stressed the importance of paddy cultivation in the Polonnaruwa District, noting that 90 per cent of the area depends on rice farming.

He assured farmers that sufficient fertilizer stocks have already been imported and distribution for the Yala season has begun through agrarian service centres, with private institutions also authorized to distribute supplies.

The minister further stressed the need for economic diversification among farmers. “If a farmer can rear even five dairy cows, it is valuable. We must look at alternative income sources instead of relying solely on paddy cultivation. Income diversification is essential,” he added. (Newswire)

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Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Mass Media against Hiru TV, alleging the broadcaster published a false and misleading report regarding his assets declaration.

According to the complaint, the issue relates to a news report aired by Hiru TV based on the minister’s voluntarily submitted declaration of assets and liabilities for 2024/25 to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

The minister stated that the report distorted facts and wrongly interpreted the contents of the declaration, claiming he owned assets worth more than Rs. 460 million.

He further alleged that the channel failed to seek clarification from him before broadcasting the report and later amplified the claims through social media and digital platforms.

Lal Kantha explained that under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, declarations must include not only assets owned by the declarant, but also those belonging to a spouse and unmarried children living in the same household.

He said the declaration therefore included assets belonging to his wife and daughter, but the channel did not disclose this in its report.

The minister also alleged that shares purchased by his daughter in several companies — valued at around Rs. 90,000 at the time of purchase and currently worth around Rs. 143,000 — were intentionally misrepresented by the channel as securities worth nearly Rs. 380 million purchased by him.

The Minister said he has already sent a letter of demand through his lawyers seeking Rs. 10 billion in damages over the alleged defamation.

He maintained that the figures were intentionally exaggerated, particularly in relation to property and company shares registered under his daughter’s name.

“We have listened to all the insults with patience. When we take one step against them, they say it’s a mistake and ask for forgiveness,” he said, addressing an event in Anuradhapura.

There will be “no forgiveness,” but all legal avenues will be pursued, he added.

Although the channel later issued a follow-up report expressing regret and acknowledging an error in the asset calculation, the minister claimed it still incorrectly suggested that the shares belonged to him despite being informed in writing that they were owned by his daughter. (Newswire)

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Hiru Media Network says a strong response will be sent within the next 24 hours to the legal notice sent by Minister K.D. Lal Kantha.

Minister K.D. Lal Kantha had issued a legal notice against Asia Broadcasting Corporation (Private) Limited, accusing the local broadcaster of misrepresenting his 2025 assets and liabilities declaration and publishing defamatory content.

The notice, dated April 18, stated that Hiru Media Network aired a news segment on April 16 alleging the minister’s assets exceeded Rs. 460 million, citing details from his declaration.

The Minister said the figures were deliberately exaggerated and misinterpreted, particularly claims regarding property and company shares in his daughter’s name.

Thereafter, admitting an error in its earlier reporting on the declared assets of Minister K.D. Lal Kantha, Hiru Media Network, acknowledged that previously published figures were the result of a calculation mistake.

In a correction issued on Saturday, the channel said an earlier report had incorrectly stated that the minister’s securities were worth Rs. 383.9 million and that his total gross assets exceeded Rs. 460 million.

The outlet said the correct value of the declared securities should have been approximately Rs. 143,475, while the total gross value of the assets declared by K.D. Lal Kantha was around Rs. 80 million.

Issuing a notice today (20), the local broadcaster confirmed that it will respond to the legal notice issued by Minister Lal Kantha in this regard. 

The confirmation was made in a notice issued by Hiru Media Network, strongly denouncing an attempt to tarnish its reputation through the circulation of a forged letter on social media.

Deputy News Director Tharanga Dinusha Jayakody clarified that the document, which claimed Hiru had requested police protection, is entirely fabricated. 

“The letter circulating on social media is completely false. Hiru Media Network has not made any such request to the Inspector General of Police,” he said, in a statement.

Jayakody warned that legal action would be taken against those responsible for preparing and spreading the fake document. (Newswire)

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Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has issued a legal notice against Asia Broadcasting Corporation (Private) Limited, accusing the local broadcaster of misrepresenting his 2025 assets and liabilities declaration and publishing defamatory content.

The notice, dated April 18, states that Hiru Media Network aired a news segment on April 16 alleging the minister’s assets exceeded Rs. 460 million, citing details from his declaration.
Lal Kantha contends the figures were deliberately exaggerated and misinterpreted, particularly claims regarding property and company shares in his daughter’s name.

According to the legal notice, the declaration submitted to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) included assets under his name, his wife’s, and his daughter’s, but the broadcaster presented them in a misleading manner.

The minister argues that the report, along with its republication across digital platforms under the headline “Minister Lal Kantha’s assets exceed Rs. 460 milion,” was intended to damage his reputation.

In the legal notice sent to a television network, the Minister stated that shares held in his daughter’s name — valued at approximately Rs. 143,000 — had been inaccurately reported as investments worth hundreds of millions of rupees.

The shares in question were purchased for around Rs. 90,000 and currently hold a value close to Rs. 143,000, he said.

However, the media report had claimed that securities worth over Rs. 380 million across multiple companies were owned, which the Minister describes as “completely false and misleading.”

The notice further claims that the broadcast has caused severe harm to the minister’s public image, portraying him as corrupt and misleading voters, supporters, and the wider public.

Minister Lal Kantha is seeking Rs. 10 billion in damages within seven days and has warned that failure to comply will result in legal proceedings, including recovery of costs and interest.

The minister also indicated he would petition authorities to revoke Hiru Media Network’s broadcasting license, alleging misuse of a public frequency for partisan and defamatory purposes. (Newswire)

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The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, K.D. Lal Kantha has invited citizens to directly raise ministry‑level issues, problems, or instances of injustice through a WhatsApp voice message to his personal number (071 2473104). 

In a statement on social media, he assured that guidance will be provided and necessary action taken through the proper channels.

The Minister noted that although Monday is designated as a public day, those wishing to meet him must first reserve a time through the Coordinating Secretary, Gamini Senarathna (071 8103579), or Public Relations Officer Ranil Wimalaratna (075 8040110). 

For those unable to travel to Colombo, appointments can also be arranged for the Kandy public day through District Coordinating Secretary Kapila (071 4464857).

He further stated that his staff and coordinating secretaries are committed to intervening in any matter brought forward. 

Minister Lal Kantha added that, acting as people’s representatives within administrative procedures, the Ministry will promptly address issues relevant to its subject areas, while expecting the cooperation of citizens in resolving them. (Newswire)

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No group, regardless of their attire or identity, is immune to criticism, Minister K.D. Lal Kantha said.

Addressing a gathering, he said that wearing a black coat, national attire, or even a robe does not make one immune to criticism. 

He added that those wishing to engage in politics are expected to set aside such matters and come forward, and that retaliation will be directed at individuals regardless of what they are wearing.

“Asoka Handagama’s recent film is reported to end with a line that says “governing isn’t as easy as it looks when you’re in the opposition”. This is directly targeted at us and requires a response to those who say such things. We started our political party work in 1965. We started governing only one year ago. Our entire opposition political era has been difficult. All I have to say is that we feel more comfortable than before,” Minister Lal Kantha said. 

He further said that there have been people within their ranks who joined forces with the enemy and stood beside the assassins who killed fellow party members.

Minister Lal Kantha said that they choose to stay silent in the face of a number of criticisms, but they occasionally choose to respond, which feels like a shot from Bruce Lee. 

“During such a response, some choose to defend themselves, identifying themselves as members of certain groups, therefore believing that they are immune to criticism,” he added. (Newswire)

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Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, K. D. Lal Kantha says media institutions tend to only report on the negatives, often overlooking the positive developments in the country.

Addressing an event, Minister Lal Kantha said that the media institutions publishing news reports on the upsets in the country are themselves flawed. 

“The media outlets that spoke of upsets in the country are themselves upset institutions. This is the state of our country,” Minister K. D. Lal Kantha said, commenting on media behaviour in Sri Lanka. 

“Media culture is one thing that has not seen a change in this country. According to the media, the government has not provided relief to disaster-hit communities, has not granted compensation to affected farmers, and the government has done nothing. A majority of the media institutions in this country lie. Not even what is said in the newspaper is true today. Newspapers report that there is something wrong with politics and government service, but the newspaper itself is flawed,” he said. 

Minister Lal Kantha pointed out that the media institutions that speak of faults of the government, are themselves flawed. (Newswire)

“The media outlets that spoke of upsets in the country are now upset themselves,” Minister K. D. Lal Kantha commenting on media behaviour in Sri Lanka. He said media institutions tend to only report on the negatives, often overlooking the positive developments. pic.twitter.com/4ZvSh2WcWh

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) December 31, 2025

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As part of the “Waari Mahima – Ape Urumaya” (Our Irrigation, Our Heritage) national irrigation programme, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha inaugurated the new Ihala Kaniyama water control structure and culvert bridge in Nawagiri Aru, Batticaloa.

Built at a cost of Rs. 45 million, the project will enable cultivation of an additional 500 acres, allowing farmers to plant three crops a year, including paddy and supplementary crops, in response to longstanding farmer requests.

Minister Lal Kantha said the government is working toward achieving full food self-sufficiency by 2028, ending the import of rice varieties such as Keeri Samba. He urged farmers to expand cultivation to meet local demand, highlighting that domestic production of certain rice types remains insufficient.

He added that the current government has taken steps to rebuild the economy, eliminate corruption, and strengthen agriculture as a cornerstone of sustainable national development.

The event was attended by officials from the Irrigation Department and local farmers. (Newswire)

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Minister of Agriculture KD Lal Kantha says it is the responsibility of the government to improve the state of farmers, which is currently considered not on par with other skilled workers. 

Addressing a public gathering, the minister pointed out that at present, matrimony advertisements in newspapers seek engineers and doctors for women, but not farmers.

“I am 61 years old. I follow the matrimony advertisements. Every advertisement seeks a qualified or skilled worker. Not one mentions farmers as prospective grooms. This is the state of the farming community in Sri Lanka,” he said. 

Minister Lal Kantha said that it was the government’s responsibility to improve and strengthen the livelihood of the farming community to a state where a matrimony advertisement is published seeking a farmer as a groom. (Newswire)

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Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has dismissed speculation of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle or a change in Prime Minister, stating such claims are baseless and those spreading them should have their “heads examined.”

Speaking to reporters, he said the opposition continues to spread false information, insisting there are no internal conflicts within the government.

“The expansion of the NPP is complete. We have secured control of the Colombo Municipal Council. Our nominee, Vraie Cally Balthazaar, has already been selected as Mayor. It’s only a matter of making it official,” he said. (Newswire)

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A discussion has been held under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya regarding the pressing land issues in the North and East of Sri Lanka. 

In a statement on social media, the Prime Minister said the Minister of Lands K.D. Lal Kantha, several Members of Parliament, and other government officials participated in the meeting held at the Parliament on Friday. 

PM Harini Amarasuriya said during the meeting, she reaffirmed that under no circumstances will the government take over these lands. 

She further said that, instead, necessary steps will be taken to ensure they are returned to the rightful owners, those who hold the original claims.

“Our policies must be grounded in justice, dignity, and equality for all communities,” PM Amarasuriya added. (Newswire)

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The report of the recent animal census will be received tomorrow (28 March), Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha said. 

Addressing the media in Kandy yesterday, Minister Lal Kantha said that the report will be used to introduce necessary steps to manage wild animals in Sri Lanka. 

Stating that this report cannot be considered a fully accurate report, he said more censuses need to be conducted in the future.

“There is no programme for the management of wild animals. The Wildlife Department is tasked with protecting animals and not managing them. To manage wild animals, a census must be conducted. For example, Australia is aware of its Kangaroo population because of a census conducted in this regard. However, in Sri Lanka, we are unaware of our monkey population. So it is essential to collect at least a rough count,” he said. 

Minister Lal Kantha further said that an animal census will help determine whether to manage the wild animal population or to provide them to foreign countries.  

“Through this, we can achieve a scientific solution. Up to date, no such measure had been taken. However, we have commenced this initiative. The initial step may not fulfill all requirements. We also would not be able to calculate the exact population. But we can ascertain an estimated number. Based on this, we can take necessary measures to manage wild animals,” he added. 

Sri Lanka conducted a nationwide census on 15 March to identify crop-damaging animals affecting the agricultural sector.

The public was given a five-minute window, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:05 a.m., to count these animals on their properties using a designated form.

The census, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, aimed to track the presence of animals such as monkeys, giant squirrels, and peacocks in home gardens and farmlands. 

The initiative is expected to help authorities devise strategies to mitigate the impact on crops. (Newswire)

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Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha says he was offered bribes by importers of Maize.

Addressing an event, Minister Lal Kantha said some individuals had met him in the last four months, requesting to allow the importation of maize.

“Within these last four months, some people came to meet me. They requested that I allow the importation of maize. They said they will pay me such and such amounts,” he revealed.

Minister Lal Kantha said the government has proven it has completely rid corruption from politics.

He further said that, however, corruption was rife in the public services, adding, “Once that is also addressed, our work is done. Close.” (Newswire)

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Opposition party members have called for Minister K.D. Lal Kantha to be investigated in matters related to the Batalanda Commission.

Addressing the media, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) trade union wing spokesman Ananda Palitha displayed a previous press conference of Minister Lal Kantha, during which the latter had made claims of murder during an armed struggle. 

Ananda Palitha said Lal Kantha and his party’s patriotism ended in the murders of 147 members of the National Services Association and ordinary citizens.

Also commenting on the Batalanda Commission Report, the General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP), Thalatha Athukorala said that the investigations must first summon Minister K.D. Lal Kantha as a witness.

Speaking during a media briefing, Thalatha Athukorala said Minister Lal Kantha has previously claimed that they have killed informants and persons, including monks, who had given evidence against them. 

“A person who has made such claims must be the first to be summoned as a witness. We know that nothing will happen through this Commission. Ranil Wickremesinghe is not in Parliament anymore. Why are they so scared of a single individual?” she questioned. 

The Batalanda Commission Report came to the spotlight after former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s controversial interview with international media, Al Jazeera recently.

Thereafter, the ‘Batalanda Commission Report’ was tabled in Parliament by the government last week.

Addressing the Parliament, the Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake said a policy decision has been taken by the Cabinet and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take action regarding the Batalanda Commission Report.

Minister Rathnayake further said that a decision has been taken to forward the report to the Attorney General for necessary advice and that the President will appoint a special committee to study the Batalanda Commission report.

The Batalanda Commission was established to investigate allegations of unlawful detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings at the Batalanda Housing Scheme in Sri Lanka between 1988 and 1990, during the JVP insurgency. (Newswire)

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The pilot programme to sterilise monkeys, in a bid to address crop destruction, commences in Matale today.

The Agriculture Ministry has allocated Rs. 4.5 million for this programme, which has received the support of several veterinarians.

The monkeys are to be transported to the Wildlife Research & Training Centre in Giritale, where they will be sterilised, and later released back to the wild. 

The Agriculture Ministry intends to expand the programme islandwide in the near future. 

Meanwhile, commenting on his recent statement in Parliament regarding crop-destructing monkeys, Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha said he had only highlighted the need to contain this menace.

Stating that environmentalists were raising concerns over the killing of monkeys, the minister said his intentions were only to contain the menace to help the livelihoods of farmers. 

“I think it is good that environmentalists have engaged in this dialogue. I intended to create countrywide awareness on the matter. Now, the involvement of various parties has achieved this. All parties need to work together to find a quick solution. As by the time long-term solutions are implemented, farmers would have abandoned farming due to this menace,” he said. (Newswire) 

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The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) has won nine (09) seats in the Kandy District under the Preferential voting system.

The preferential votes for the Kandy District are as follows;

NPP – 09 seats

K.D. Lal Kantha – 316,951 votes

Jagath Manuwarna – 128,678 votes

Prasanna Gunasena – 94,242 votes

Hansaka Wijemuni – 82,926 votes

Thanura Dissanayake – 78,526 votes

E.M. Basnayake – 72,929 votes

Riyaz Faruk – 64,043 votes

Thushari Jayasinghe – 58,223 votes

Mohomed Pasmin – 57,716 votes. 

SJB – 02 seats

Rauf Hakeem – 30,883 votes

Chamindranee Kiriella – 30,780 votes

NDF – 01 seat

Anuradha Jayarathne – 20,749 votes. (Newswire)

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