Over 228 projects launched in Walallawita DS Division

CHAMINDA PERERA

The Government has laid extra emphasis on the livelihood development of the people in the Walallawita DS division which was categorised as the most underdeveloped region in the Western Province in terms of poverty and infrastructure development.

The Walallawita Divisional Secretariat last year launched over 228 projects aimed at uplifting the Samurdhi beneficiaries in the area.

The Samurdhi families who are engaged in agriculture, home gardening, the poultry industry received financial assistance to bolster their production capacity. Samurdhi Officers and the Agriculture Development Assistants attached to the Divisional Secretariat identified the beneficiaries who deserve to have such assistance under the Gama Neguma program.

The DS last year spent over Rs. 2 million for livelihood development in the area while equal attention was focused on the spiritual development which is an integral part of the Gama Neguma Jathika Saviya program.

Thundola village which borders the Western Province from the Galle district is set to be fully developed under the Gama Neguma Jathika Saviya program.

Electricity and pipe borne water facilities are provided to the village while several projects are being planned for the uplift of people in the village.

According to Walallawita Divisional Secretary Champa Upasena the National Building Ministry has allocated Rs. 800,000 for the each Grama Niladhari Division for this year.

She said the DS will spend Rs. 500,000 for infrastructure development while Rs. 300,000 is expected to invest in the livelihood development for this year.

"We have identified a number of priority projects in each GN division and work on these projects will start within coming weeks, she said.