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Samurdhi Minister R.A.D. Sirisena said the ongoing peace process of the UNF Government would provide solutions to the burning problems of the people in the North-East. Once peace dawns, Samurdhi programs will be commenced in these areas immediately.

The Minister made these observations at the opening ceremony of two Samurdhi Bank Societies at Sinnapudukulam and Akbopura in the Vavuniya Divisional Secretariat Division recently.

He said avenues should be made to enable Government officials to visit the villages in the North-East and meet the people to give Samurdhi benefits to the people.

He said:" Today I participate in this event with great pleasure. That is because the nationality had been divided solely for a long time. We always dreamt when the opportunity would come for us to move into North-East areas freely."

The Minister extended his sincere thanks to all communities who have made a genuine effort to unite the nation by ending hostilities. He said this is an opportunity to thank the Security Forces who are fully supportive of solving problems in North-East areas.

At present Samurdhi benefits have been granted only to those who have obtained coupons worth a maximum of Rs.400. Government Officials have no opportunity to meet the people in North-East areas. Therefore immediate measures will be taken to grant Samurdhi to the needy people in these areas, he said.

He would request the Prime Minister to provide an opportunity to fill the vacancies of Samurdhi officers in the Vavuniya area.

"Today the people are clamouring for peace and prosperity, not for war or poverty. The people of these villages should unite to achieve this goal without any division. In addition, a large number of uncultivated lands are in these areas. If we can cultivate these lands more economic benefits can be given to the farmers. All these can be implemented through Samurdhi," he said.

If all nationalities join hands in harmony developing this country will not be a difficult task. We may have various disputes, but we should have one vision forgetting all such disputes. The prime objective is achieving peace, the Minister added.

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