North and East reconstruction:

UNIDO chief satisfied with development work

Rafik JALALDEEN

Visiting United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Chief Dr. Kandeh Yumkella has expressed his satisfaction over the reconstruction process in the North and East.

UNIDO Focal Point Director Nawaz Rajabdeen said Dr. Yumkella was happy to note the development in the North and East after successfully eradicating terrorism in the region. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will go down in the history for finding a peaceful solution after 30 years of destruction in the region.

"UNIDO will work very closely with the Industries Ministry on a five year Industrial Plan for SMEs in the North and East for sustainable industrial development in keeping with President Rajapaksa's Vision", he added. Rajabdeen noted that UNIDO has already commenced work last year to support the farmer societies in supplying tractors and machinery to increase the productivity and quality in paddy cultivation. The beneficiaries are poor farmers in Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts.

He said the farmers were monitored and supported by the respective chambers in the region. The value of machinery of two and four wheel tractors, water pumps and shredders farming equipments are over Rs 100 million. The Director General has assured to support over 100,000 war widows in various sustainable livelihood programs through the regional chambers.