Mahinda Randora - equity in development

Hambantota, Puttalam and Trincomalee Districts have been selected for the "Mahinda Randora" programme. These three districts are strategically important districts in the Sri Lankan economy and located in Southern, North Western and Eastern Province respectively. The average socio-economic situation, living condition, infrastructure, education, health facilities etc. are relatively low compared to other districts.

The 'Mahinda Randora' has identified several key development projects in these areas to meet the development challenges and to improve the socio-economic situation and living condition of these districts.

The implementation of these projects is expected to change the present situation and uplift the socio-economic and living conditions equal or above the conditions of the Western Province.

THE HAMBANTOTA DISTRICT

Land Area: 2496 square kilometres

DS Divisions:
11(Tangalle, Ambalantota, Hambantota and Tissamaharamaya have maritime boundaries.)

Population: 0.526 million (2001 survey)

Average Productive labour: 47%

Average Literacy:  89.1

Schools: 324

Student Population: 1,45,877

Infant mortality rate: 4.7 per 1000 live births

Hospitals: 23

Average per capita income: Rs.2165

Poverty head count index: 32

Population below poverty line: 0.179 million

Samurdhi recipients: 0.079 million

Dominant Economic Activities: Agriculture and Fisheries (Approximately around 50% total employed population is engaged in this sector)

Potential Avenues: Has natural parks, sanctuaries, tourist attractions and huge potential for the establishment of new industries, fishery development and suitable environment for foreign investments.

Identified lead projects:  At present the infrastructure facilities such as air, land, telecommunication etc. are at a sub optimal level. Therefore the "Mahinda Randora" has identified following lead projects to propagate development in the area. An International Air Port The Hambantota Industry Port Southern Expressway In addition another 51 ongoing projects covering various sectors such as roads, fisheries, irrigation, vocational training, poverty alleviation, water supply etc. are being implemented. The successful implementation of these development projects is expected to propel Hambantota as the economic hub in the Southern region.

THE PUTTALAM DISTRICT

Land Area: 3013.4 square kilometres

DS Divisions: 16 ( nine divisions have maritime boundaries).

Population: 0.705 million (2001 survey)

Average Productive labour: 49% (18-50 years)

Average Literacy: 90.9

Schools: 355

Student Population: 1,64,190

Infant mortality rate: 6.3 per 1000 live births

Hospitals: 20

Average per capita income: Rs.2761

Poverty head count index: 31

Population below poverty line: 0.232 million

Samurdhi recipients: 0.081 million

Dominant Economic Activities: Agriculture and Fisheries (Approximately around 36% total employed population is engaged in this sector)

Potential Avenues: Has natural parks, tourist attractions and huge potential for the establishment of new industries, fishery development.

Restraints: Dilapidated roads

Identified lead projects: The "Mahinda Randora" has identified following lead projects to propagate development in the area. Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai Puttalam-Padeniya main road Puttalam-Anuradhapura main road Kalpitiya tourist zone In addition ongoing projects covering various sectors such as roads, fisheries, irrigation, vocational training, poverty alleviation, water supply etc. are being implemented. The successful implementation of these development projects is expected to make Puttalam on par with other developed districts in the country.

THE TRINCOMALEE DISTRICT

Land Area: 2630.8 square kilometres

DS Divisions: 11( five have maritime boundaries).

Population: 1.93 million (2001 survey)

Average Literacy: 79.5

Schools: 270

Student Population: 94,455

Infant mortality rate: 2.0 per 1000 live births

Hospitals: 16

Samurdhi recipients: 0.0547 million

Dominant Economic Activities: Agriculture and Fisheries (Approximately 24000 are engaged in fishing, it has one of the finest natural harbours in the world)

Potential Avenues: A series of natural lagoons, bays and sandy beaches and huge potential for fishery development, new industries and eco-tourism.

Restraints: The tsunami tidal waves has damaged man made and natural assets in the coastal belt, road net work too not well developed and infrastructure development to attract tourists too is lacking.

Identified lead projects: At present the infrastructure facilities such as air, land, telecommunication etc. are at a sub optimal level. Therefore the "Mahinda Randora" has identified following lead projects to propagate development in the area. A Coal Power Plant Habarana-Trincomalee main road Tsunami affected coastal belt highways and township development Trincomalee tourist zone Trincomalee Investment Zone Greater Dambulla Township Development In addition ongoing projects covering various sectors such as roads, fisheries, irrigation, vocational training, poverty alleviation, water supply etc. are being implemented. The successful implementation of these development projects is expected to propel Trincomalee as the nerve centre of the East.