Accelerated development programme in Embilipitiya, Kolonna Divisions

The Southern Development Authority (SDA) is to implement an accelerated development programme in the underdeveloped Embilipitiya and Kolonna Development Secretariat Divisions at an initial cost of Rs. 13 million.

Projects coming under this programme will be based on three sectors viz infrastructure development, socio-economic development and livelihood development said the SDA.

It will provide relief to residents in Mulediyawa and Miriswelpotha villages in the Embilipitiya Divisional Secretariat Division and Ranwetikanda and Hambeliara villages in the Kolonna Division Secretariat Division.

The SDA will provide houses to nearly 80 needy families in want of immediate housing facilities under this programme.

Since Mulediyawa is a predominantly agricultural village farmers would be granted assistance to cultivate coconut, pepper, citronella and banana on a commercial scale.

Under this programme the road network in these four villages which is in a dilapidated state would be rehabilitated on a priority basis.

While electricity and water supply facilities would be enhanced to provide these utility services to people who were in dire need of them.

The release said it is also proposed to provide financial and other subsidies and advisory services to fishermen engaged in the inland fishing industry in these villages.

The Mulediyawa Sathi Pola (fair) premises would also be rehabilitated with modern amenities while health and sanitation facilities too would be augmented in the four villages.

In order to promote cultural development and attitudinal changes among the village folk library facilities would be improved, centred round temples and other places of religious worship.

The release said this was part of the Jathika Saviya Maga Neguma Development programme implemented by the SDA.

Apart from this various other development projects were being implemented in these areas by other line Ministries under the guidance of the SDA.