Yakkalamulla

From darkness to radiance:

Mahinda P. Liyanage Galle Central Special Corr.

Yakkalamulla has been classed as the remotest Pradeshiya Sabha area of the Baddegama electorate in Galle district for many decades during both pre and post independence areas. Nevertheless, presently this long neglected area has been emerged from obscurity to illumination following the numerous development programs launched by the Government which was evident in a much contended population, we could witness in a recent tour in the area.

The territory of Yakkalamulla Pradeshiya Sabha extends over 111.5 sq k.m. with a population of 49,750 people in 44 Grama Seva divisions.

It is a highly fertile locality with an integration of major cultivations such as paddy, tea, rubber and various other minor export crops. There is a schooling population of about 8,000 students attending to 6 Maha Vidyalayas and 13 Kanishta Vidyalayas.

Many people who talked to us disclosed that they could enjoy the benefits of development projects only after 1994 for which they were highly appreciative and gratifying to late Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda for his great concern over their villages. They also hailed the present authorities of the Pradeshiya Sabha for carrying out further development schemes.

The Chairman of Pradeshiya Sabha, Sisira Kumararathne said, that over 90 percent of households in the area had been supplied with electricity under 17 new electrification projects with the help of Central Government and the Southern Provincial Council as well.

Under the Maga Neguma program Rs.150 million has been spent to improve the network of rural roads in the region. Talangahawatta Road, Nevungala Road, Nabadawa- Gahalakoladeniya Watte Road, Watuwagala Road, Thekkuwatta Road and Wadiyawatta Road are among the newly concrete built roads which are immense benefit to the farmers of the area in transporting their produce conveniently and cheaply to their respective market destinations.

Above all the major road project of constructing the 4 carpet roads are a much commendable effort which is a great advantage for the people in their transportation needs.

Utilizing the funds provided by the Provincial Council, the Predeshiya Sabha has also launched a project to construct a playground for Magedara Maha Vidyalaya to promote sports activities of the children. The Rs. 29 million project of building the Pradeshiya Sabha office complex funded by the Southern Province Infrastructure Improvement Project is also a remarkable scheme which caters an essential need of the P.S.

In order to provide yet another burning need of the people Yakkalamulla Pradeshiya Sabha has completed the work on the Central Dispensary and Dental Surgery which cost the P.S. Rs. 8 million functioning of which has already begun with the required medical staff led by a Medical Officer of Health.

Located on the same premises adjoining it is the Yakkalamulla Vocational Training Centre which provides education and training to the youth in the fields of information technology.

Amidst all these progressive operations the people of Yakkalamulla are cheerfully and optimistically anticipating much prosperity and excellent future for their children.