Gama Neguma development drive launched today

COLOMBO: The Gama Neguma programme launched by the Nation Building and Infrastructure Development Ministry to build a new Sri Lanka in keeping with the Mahinda Chinthana manifesto will be inaugurated by Senior Presidential Advisor and MP Basil Rajapaksa at Welgala today.

The programme will cover all Grama Niladhari divisions countrywide this year. A Ministry release said the Government has planned to continue this programme uninterrupted through 2008, 2009 and 2010 in three stages.

For its actual implementation the country has been divided into six zones and a Minister appointed to be incharge of each zone.

The Minister so appointed will be fully - in-charge of the implementation of the programme in the respective zone and he will be assisted by a staff led by an additional secretary.

The release said the programme implemented with the objective of creating sustained national development by producing prosperous villages is a complex one which needed the collective support of all for this success.

As such the contribution of all line Ministries, Provincial and Local Councils, NGOs and all other institutions should be obtained for its implementation.

A set of guidelines have also been issued to ensure the successful implementation of the programme taking experiences gained in 2007 into consideration.

The release added that the programme would be implemented according to three main subjects - infrastructure development, lifestyle development and spiritual development.

The Government has decided to give priority to rural Lifestyle development this year.

Under Infrastructure development, special attention should be given for projects helpful for increase the national product.

Apart from this projects that would facilitate spiritual development and unity among rural communities and those that would help effect foreign exchange savings should also be given special attention.

The Gama Neguma programme will be launched in Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Matara, Kalutara and Moneragala districts on March 14, 15 and 16 in the form of national ceremonies.

The respective venues and dates are Anuradhapura - Kelenikawewa in Kahatagasdigiliya - March 14, Kurunegala - Ibbagamuwa - Welgala March 14, Matara - Ketapalakanda in Mulatiyana - March 15, Kalutara - Maharekma - March 15 and Monaragala - Katupilagama on March 16. The funds allocated to the Nation Building Ministry for implementing development projects including Gama Neguma this year are as follows: Gama Neguma Rs. 14,400 million, Special Development Projects (foreign funded) - Rs. 16,076.8 million, Estate infrastructure facilities - Rs. 520 million, Sri Lanka Samurdhi Authority - Rs. 600 million, Sri Lanka Southern Development Authority - Rs. 250 million, Sri Lanka Upcountry Development Authority - Rs. 200 million, Decentralised Budget Funds - Rs. 1,125 million, other projects - Rs. 70 million.