Ratnapura surpassed all development activities

N. P. RAJADORAI Ratnapura special corr.

Under the Mahinda Chinthana policy, projects like Maga Neguma, Gama Neguma were undertaken and under the integrated budgetary allocations to the Parliamentarians, several development works were undertaken and completed.

Where development activities are concerned, Ratnapura has surpassed all other districts, Minister of Power and Energy W. D. John Seneviratne said at a press conference held at Ratnapura where he explained the results of the development activities undertaken in the year 2008.

With the funds released by the Ministry of Disaster Management, 500 projects were completed with the 100 per cent participation of the people.

The minister thanked the District Secretary, Divisional Secretaries and all other officials for their co-operation. He was very appreciative of the 17 Divisional Secretariats in the Ratnapura district for the 100 per cent assistance and co-operation extended.

While waging war against terrorism the development activities in the country were undertaken without a break in 2008 and it will be continued in 2009 also, the Minister added.

Under the 'Electricity for all' programme Rs. 245 million was utilised in the past to supply electricity to the houses in the district. In the Ratnapura electorate 90 per cent of the electricity need was provided.

Even though there are street lights there is electricity in rural houses in the Balangoda and Kolonna electorates.

This will be attended to this year, he stated further. Minister Seneviratne said that our tea, rubber and gem industries have slided down due to the world economic crisis.

Despite all our economy being at a low ebb, the war against terrorism will continue and the Northern district will be freed from the LTTE.