From the Tamil Press

M.P. Muttiah

A branch of the Export Development Board has been opened in Jaffna. Export Development and International Trade Minister Professor G.L.Peiris opened the office. He also visited the Achchuveli Industrial Estate. He discussed with the Government Agent about the development of industries in the Jaffna district.

The Minister said Presidential Election had been announced two years before the term so as to create an environment for development. The Sankanai Divisional Secretariat has initiated an assistance project to help students returned from the IDPs welfare centres. As an initial step the details of students are being collected.

These students would be provided bicycles, shoes etc.

Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda has assured the representatives of 100,000 IDPs that he would make arrangements for them to meet Senior Presidential Adviser Basil Rajapaksa MP. The representatives requested that all assistance given to Vanni returnees should be made available them too.

The Central Province's Agriculture, Livestock Development Ministry has planned to obtain 30 percent of country's milk from the province. The Government has planned to increase the milk production by 50 percent in 2015. Central Province has 30,114 registered dairy farms.

TNA parliamentarian Sivanathan Kishore visited the Poonthottam Rehabilitation Centre for the first time. He had a discussion with the youth who undergo vocational training. About 175 persons who surrendered during the war are being trained here in various fields.

A Semi-luxury mini-bus service has begun yesterday after four years. About 15 mini-buses have obtained permit to run the service. Meanwhile, the number of tourists from the South as well as foreigners has increased after the opening of A9 highway. They visit historical places and temples.