Recently liberated areas to be developed

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

COLOMBO: The Government has formulated plans to develop areas liberated recently from the clutches of the LTTE, Defence Affairs Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said President Mahinda Rajapaksa was undaunted in his quest to eradicate LTTE terrorism despite attempts to target him. He said the President has accepted the LTTE’s challenge and would continue relentlessly his mission to end terrorism and lead the Forces to liberate all parts of the North as well from LTTE tyranny.

“The Government’s prime concern is to restore normality in these areas where the people should be able to live peacefully and happily,” Rambukwella said.

It was a notable achievement that the Security Forces could liberate more than 120 square Kilometres from the clutches of the LTTE after 20 years, he told the Defence media briefing.

The Forces liberated the area called ‘Rice Bowl’ which had the biggest paddy harvest in the recent past, the Minister said. Moves are under way by the Government to uplift the infrastructure facilities of the area such as highways, upgrading the development of health and other general facilities.

“The Government will especially develop the irrigation system in the area considering that it produced the biggest paddy harvest in the past,” the Minister said.

“The Government had identified the necessity of developing irrigation and other facilities while upgrading infrastructure facilities in all areas”.

The Government has allocated funds through the relevant authorities in the area in search of upgrading the living standards of the people.

Apparently some allocations have been utilized by the LTTE for terrorist activities but not for the betterment of the people. Further he pointed out the people in the area have gained two victories as they were liberated from the LTTE while establishing an atmosphere where the people can enjoy their rights.

“Political administration has to be set up in line with the development of the area.

As the part of that exercise the Arugam Bay bridge was declared opened by the President.”