More development projects on way

Disna MUDALIGE

National level large-scale development projects and grass roots level village development activities are implemented hand-in-hand in the country, said Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

Addressing a UPFA press conference at the Mahaweli Centre yesterday, the Minister noted that a large number of micro level development activities to improve infrastructure are initiated and will be carried forward in a more strengthened manner after the Local Government Elections.

He said that the implementation of one million domestic economic units under the Divi Neguma with selected 100 family units in each Grama Niladari Division has the capacity to upgrade the family economy. Maga Neguma and Gama Neguma are also launched at village level.

The Minister noted that the Jana Sabha concept will be introduced to uplift public facilities in villages by identifying and solving weaknesses related to the development.

The Sabha will consist of members such as school principal, chief prelate, Samurdhi officers, public servants and officers of voluntary organizations in the village, he said.

The Minister said that this concept will be introduced soon after the population census and the passing of Local Government Special Provisions Bill in Parliament.

“New boundary lines for Grama Niladari divisions be demarcated after the Bill. Based on them, the establishment of ‘Jana Sabha’ will proceed, he said.

Ranawaka also pointed out that these village level development programs are conducted while large-scale investments are carried on to make this country the hub of five fold forces. He observed that the electricity added to the national grid from Puttalam and Upper Kotmale under the present government is three times greater than the electricity generated by the Mahaweli project.

He noted that the public is aware that pragmatic solutions to control the cost of living are possessed only by the UPFA.