Village centred development drive under Samurdhi

Uditha Kumarasinghe

COLOMBO: The Government has launched a multi-pronged development drive centred on village infrastructure development under its "Gam Pubuduwa" village re-awakening programme.

The Rs. 548.98 million programme will target all backward rural villages including areas in the North-East.

The Samurdhi and Poverty Alleviation Ministry will take the lead in this rural development drive that will be carried out in 13,587 Grama Niladari divisions under 22 districts this year.

The projects will be implemented with the full participation of the village community, Samurdhi and Poverty Alleviation Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told the Daily News yesterday.

These projects will also cover several areas in the North-East and the plantations. The Ministry will allocate Rs.35,000 for each project implemented in the 13,587 Grama Niladari divisions. All these projects will be implemented with the full supervision and suggestions from villagers.

Out of the recommended infrastructure projects, rural roadways, minor irrigation and water ways, small bridges, drinking water projects, environmental conservation projects and sales and collecting centres would be given priority this year.

In addition, Rs.60 million will be spent on special infrastructure development projects to be implemented in each district, she said.

During a short period, the projects implemented under the Gam Pubuduwa have helped improve infrastructure facilities of a large number of villages with the maximum involvement and participation of the people.

These projects have also covered several North-East areas including Jaffna, Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara districts, she said.

"Through this concept, the Government together with the village community hopes to create a massive change in the country's ongoing development process," Wanniarachchi said.