Host of facilities for Kebithigollawa residents

KEBITHIGOLLAWA: A special high profile team including Ministers toured the Kebithigollawa Yaka Wewa, Palugasdamana and Gonamadiyawa yesterday to inspect basic facilities provided to the people and progress made in the construction of infrastructure facilities.

A protective bunker barrier, the main demand by the people of Kebithigollawa, has been completed. Sixty four civilians in Kebithigollawa were massacred by the LTTE last year.

Residents of Kebithigollawa requested President Mahinda Rajapaksa to erect a protective bunker barrier when the President visited the scene of the tragedy.

This security zone has been constructed covering the area from Mannar to Kokkuthuduwa reinforced with 253 bunkers.

The team first visited the Yeka Wewa Army camp to look into the shortcomings. Later, they inspected the new security zone. The team took immediate action to expedite work on the supply of electricity, construction of wells for water supply, and the new road being built from Dutuwawa to the security zone.

Arrangements are being made to complete the work by the North Central Provincial Council and funds are being allocated under Jathika Saviya programme.

Meanwhile, the delegation noted that persons who abandoned their homes after the tragedy have returned. Arrangements will be made to provide seeds for cultivation and compensation will be given to them to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The delegation also visited the housing complex built under the Jathika Saviya programme in collaboration with the National Housing Development Authority for the people in Gonameriyawa. Kiallugama and Padikkowa villages under constant threat from LTTE terrorists.

Considering the economic difficulties encountered in the construction of houses, it was decided to grant each family Rs. 25,000 under the Jathika Saviya Programme before the New Year.

Instructions were given to provide electricity to villages in the area. Dutuwawa, Puliyankolama and Pahala Halmillawatiya will get electricity before the New Year.

The delegation comprised Ven. Bodagama Chandima Thera, Presidential Senior Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, Minister Tissa Karalliyadda, S.M. Chandrasena and Duminda Dissanayake, North Central Provincial Council Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake and Media Centre for National Security Director General Lakshman Hulugalla.