Wheels move for resettlement of displaced

Rasika SOMARATHNA

COLOMBO: The Government has launched an accelerated programme to expedite the resettlement of 60,000 displaced families in the Batticaloa district before June 31 on President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s instructions.

Infrastructure facilities in the area are to be upgraded with immediate effect through the Jathika Saviya-Gamaneguma to facilitate the resettlement.

The development of infrastructure is expected to be completed within two weeks.

This was revealed when the steering committee for the accelerated programme met in Welikanda under the stewardship of Minister for Disaster Relief Services and Resettlement Rishard Badiudeen.

The recently captured A-5 and A-15 routes are to be developed to facilitate free mobility for the people in the area. In addition, electricity, drinking water, reopening of schools and providing facilities to the fishing community to engage in their livelihood is to be given priority.

The displaced from the Karadiyanaru and Kokadicholle area have been provided with temporary shelter. Their day to day requirements are to be facilitated through the Jathika Saviya.

According to Minister Baduideen, the Government has laid special emphasise on rebuilding the captured areas in the East. Accordingly, the development in the Vakarai area has been almost completed in a very short span.

The meeting was attended by Ministers Abdul Majeed, Ameer Ali, Susantha Punchinilame and North and East Governor Mohan Wijewickreme and Navoda Chairman Chandra de Silva along with top Defence brass in the area.