Deyata Kirula 2011:

Moneragala stepping into self-sufficiency

Alex PERERA, Bandaraweala Special Corr

In the past this area was known as Wellassa which means hundred thousand paddy-fields. It had a unique irrigation system and a very rich cultural heritage. Most of this was destroyed by foreign invaders.

Deyata Kirula 2011 which has become a part of the Wellassa reawakening program will be held in next February in Moneragala district. This is a part of the policy of the Government which emphasizes in Mahinda Chintana and its future plans to give priority to develop the rural Sri Lanka.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa inaugurated the preparatory activities which have been planned to launch throughout the district during the course of next six months. This is an interview with the Government head of the district, District Secretary (Government Agent) - Moneragala, U K S Mihindukulasooriya.

Q: What is the significant factor of the Deyata Kirula 2011?

A: I think Deyata Kirula 2011 will be a new experience to Sri Lankans, particularly to the people of Moneragala District, because it covers the development activities of all the sectors in the district. Actually, this is not just an exhibition. Now, it has become a part of the Wellassa reawaking program.

Q: How could you explain the existing development scenario of the district?

A: When we compare with the development level of the Western province, we are still far away. Nearly half of the population receive Samurdhi benefits. It means half of the population lives below the poverty line. Not only that. We have to further improve the facilities such as roads, drinking water, electricity, transportation and income generation programs for the betterment of the rural people in the district.

Q: Will Deyata Kirula 2011 help solve these requirements?

A: Yes, of course. With Deyata Kirula 2011, public services are supposed to move to the grassroots level. We have 319 Grama Niladhari divisions including 1324 villages. We expect to provide better public services to all such villages with this program.

Q: Could you explain the program you are going to implement with this?

A: I am not going to implement the programs. As a Government Agent of this rural district, it is my duty and obligation to coordinate such activities to reach them the door steps of the rural masses.

Also, it has been estimated to spend more than Rs. 8000 million public expenditure to the district under the Deyata Kirula 2011 program.

Q: What are the areas of these investments?

A: Government has decided to implement more than 100 development components. Some of the key components are Agriculture, Roads, Township development, Health, Education, Industry, Environment, Housing, Power, Social services, Postal, Rural development and Good Governance etc.

Q: How do you coordinate the rural folks with this development?

A: I have already given instructions and targets to the village level officers such as Grama Niladhari, Samurdhi development officers and agricultural research assistants on this. In addition to this, we are planning to set up village level operational committees with the participation of the village committees to have a continuous feedback.

Q: So, what is the role of the other Government officers in the district?

A: All the Government officers will be given special tasks to achieve within the timeframe of six months. All the officers will be involved in three levels. Some are involved at the district level while other officers are involved in the Divisional and the rural levels.

Q: Are there any other activities, other than these investments?

A: Yes, we need to get the commitment and active participation from the people. They should be allowed to feel and touch the benefit of development.

In order to do this, we have organized capacity building programs, shramadana campaigns, mobile services and many community development activities with them.

Last but not least I would like to mention when Hambantota, the adjoining district is having a massive development, Moneragala district should follow it. According to my understanding Moneragala people don’t like to depend on subsidies forever.

They are historically independent. They always ask for income generation avenues in which they can be self-sufficient.