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Peace initiatives have paid dividends, outcome will benefit entire nation - VP World Bank SA Region

From M. R. M. Niyas, Hambantota special correspondent

The peace initiatives had paid dividends to Sri Lanka and the outcome would not merely benefit the North-East, but the (entire nation, said the Vice President of the World Bank South Asia Region Ms. Miake Nishimizu addressing the villagers at Elalla, Dimuthugama a remote village in the Hambantota DS area on her two day official visit to Hambantota district on January 14.

She said it was obvious that the Government was making genuine efforts to raise the living standard of the people of Sri Lanka. Therefore it was their aim to help assist the people of Sri Lanka without any discrimination whether they are in the North-East or in the South.

The World Bank (WB) Vice President made these observations after studying the difficulties and the prospects of the villagers. The WB Vice President was here to formulate opportunities for the poorest of the poor people of this Southern district of Hambantota.

The Minister of Southern Region Development Ananda Kularatna and the Southern Province Chief Minister H. G. Sirisena also accompanied the WB Vice President.

She said, the people of this district request nothing but water. They do not ask for subsidies or employment but the collective voice of the people is water, water for irrigation and drinking purpose. I have found out that the major barrier for the development of this district is the shortage of water for both purposes. In my capacity as the WB Vice President I will make an attempt to solve this burning issue.

Southern Region Development Minister Ananda Kularatna said, the majority of people in this district depend on agriculture for their livelihood, therefore it is necessary to help the people of this district to enhance their livelihood by providing adequate assistance.

Southern Province Chief Minister H. G. Sirisena said, It is a meritorious act to help provide water for the people of the Hambantota district by reducing unwanted expenses.

Secretary to the Ministry of Southern Region Development Chandrasena Maliyadda, GA Hambantota district Ananda, Amarathunga, WB Country Director Peter Harrold, Senior Environmental Engineer Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya and WB External Affairs Director Dale Lautenbach and several others were also present.

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