Massive development drive in Matara

Jayasiri Munasinghe and Matara district corr.

The Government has spent over Rs. 10,000 million for economic and infrastructure development in the Matara district from 2006. These development programs include several projects covering road network, electricity, water supply, irrigation, health, social welfare and spiritual development in all Divisional Secretariat areas.

The development activities have been implemented to raise the living standards of over 800,000 people in the district, Information Minister and spokesman for Media centre for National Development Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said.

The Minister made this observation when a media delegation visited Matara on September 11 and 12 to coincide with the official inauguration of the Media Centre for National Development. The Government has spent this massive sum for projects launched under the Maganeguma, Gamaneguma, and Jathika Saviya and also for rural economic development projects in the South.

There are eight massive development projects costing Rs. 5,000 million in the Matara district alone.

Under the Matara Municipal Council Development Program, Kamburugamuwa and Kotuwila areas will be developed at a cost of Rs. 3,400 million while another Rs. 500 million will be spent to the development of outer areas of Matara town.

For industrial development at Godagama, another Rs. 400 million has been allocated, the Minister said. Akuressa, Hakmana, Dikwella and Dondra will also receive Rs. 350, 250, 350 and 250 million.

By the end of this year, all households in all eight electorates will be provided with electricity.

Basic educational facilities in all 16 divisional secretariats in Matara district will also be fulfilled while there will be a revolutionary change in all spheres, the Minister said.