Fast paced development in North and East
by P. Muttiah
Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri said people's representatives at local government level should pay attention to develop their areas devastated by the protracted war. Speaking at a workshop for the elected members of local government institutions in the Northern Province in Vavuniya, the Governor said people should work for the voters who elected them.
Export Development and International Trade Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said time has come to utilize the resources which were neglected for 30 years. "We should limit the imports that can be produced in our country. We should be able to export pineapples to other countries," he said.
Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa MP said the displaced Muslims would be given all the rights that they lost. President Rajapaksa has taken steps to resettle them. He said the Puttalam-Mannar road would be opened before the Presidential Election. Around 17 tanks in the Jaffna District have been rehabilitated under the Northern Spring Project. The Agrarian Services Deputy Director in Jaffna said Rs. 260 million has been allocated for this purpose. Resettlement has commenced in Vidathaltivu, Mannar from last week. Since October, resettlement has begun in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Mullaitivu districts. About 146 families in welfare centres have been taken to Vidathaltivu.
Meanwhile, resettlement has also begun in Kilinochchi. The internally displaced people from Vavuniya welfare centres have been taken to Karaichchi area. Steps have also been taken to commence educational activities. A free bus service for the public servants is also in force.
(Source: Daily News – 09th December, 2009)