Great change in East after liberation

There is a general re-awakening in the East after its liberation from the LTTE, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.

"There is a change, a vast change. One must see it to believe it," President Rajapaksa told the media yesterday. He said the business chambers from the East that met him yesterday had appreciated the Government's development drive in the region.

"Earlier, they did not talk much. But at yesterday's meeting, they spoke about the need for overall development in the province. They want electricity, water, fertiliser, bridges, telecom, infrastructure."

The Government has already started the Eastern Resurgence programme to develop the East.

The President also mentioned that the Government continued to assist people in uncleared areas and boost their economy. The Government will purchase paddy from Mullaitivu district.