Govt aims rural development

P P G Sugathadasa- Thihagoda Group Correspondent

The Mahinda Chintana future vision ten year development program has extended top priority for rural, Provincial and National Development of the country, Youth Affairs Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said.

He made these observations after opening construction activities of the proposed new beach access road from Wellamdama to Puranawella fishery harbour in Devinuwara.

He said the empowerment of rural economy would be the central theme of national development strategy.

He said Maga Neguma, Gama Neguma and Jathika Saviya contribute immensely for the development of the country. The progress being made through the national development process is steady and speedy enhancement of living standard of low income families can be noted, he said. It would be the prime duty and responsibility of the people to extend support and co-operation to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to achieve anticipated goals, the Minister said.

Southern Provincial Council Member Kanchana Wijesekara said the Government will develop Nilwella, Suduwella and Nunnawella fisheries harbours at Devinuwara. The Economic Development Ministry has set apart Rs 7.5 million for this.

This Government addressed pressing issued of fisher-folk in the area, he said.

Devinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Chandanalal Suriawansa also spoke.