Karaliyadda promises sweeping changes

Dharma Sri ABEYRATNE

New Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karaliyadda promised sweeping changes in his Ministry within the next six months.

The Minister said this after assuming duties at the Child Development and Women's Affairs Ministry yesterday. He said the changes will be made on the advice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"President Rajapaksa has entrusted a great duty on this Ministry. Since the country was in the clutches of LTTE terrorism for over three decades, a considerable number of children and women were affected. Therefore the Child Development and Women's Affairs Ministry is duty bound to look into their welfare," Minister Karaliyadda said.

The Minister further said that he is looking at ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ministry. The Ministry will implement various projects and programs in the future aimed at improving the lot of women and children.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said the Government is focussing its attention on alleviating the hardships of women considering their contribution to boost the country's foreign exchange.

"Protecting women, children and family unit is the duty of the Child Development and Women's Affairs Ministry. The Ministry will implement several projects for the emancipation of women as it is also a part of development of the country," Minister Rajapaksa said. Child Development and Women's Affairs Deputy Minister A.L.A.M. Hisbulla said there are 49,000 widows in the Eastern Province due to LTTE terrorism. Out of this 49,000, 25,000 are said to be under 40 years. More than 12,000 widows are mothers of at least three children. "Therefore this is a major task for the Ministry," Deputy Minister Hisbulla added.