Over Rs. 66,832 m spent to develop rural villages - Minister

Irangika RANGE

The Government has spent Rs. 66,832 million for the development of rural villages, Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardene told Parliament yesterday.

The Minister said President Mahinda Rajapaksa presenting his manifesto 'Mahinda Chinthanaya' has clearly stated that infrastructure facilities should be prioritised for the development of rural villages under the 'Gama Neguma' and 'Maga Neguma' programs.

Therefore, the Government has embarked on massive development drive to uplift the livelihood of rural folk. He further said that the people have lauded the decisions taken by the Government to develop the villages.

Accordingly, a number of development projects to improve facilities like water, education, electricity, roads, and health are progressing successfully under the 'Eastern Reawakening' and the 'Northern Spring' programs.

In order to expedite the development work, Senior Presidential Advisor, President of the Northern Task Force and MP Basil Rajapaksa makes regular visits to the two provinces to inspect the progress of the projects. "It is reported that local tourists are currently visiting the North and East in large numbers. We are bound by the duties and responsibilities of us," he said. Therefore, the Government cannot allow displaced people to be victims of land mines.

"That is why we have decided to resettle the IDPs only after ensuring their safety," he said.

A number of land mines had been planted by the LTTE in several areas of the North and East. Some land mines cannot be detected with the latest technology. Therefore, we used dogs to detect them.