Minister addresses problems affecting Velanai

Nethali Struys

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Minister Douglas Devananda advised all Divisional Secretaries in the Velanai region to pay prominent attention on drinking water and health sector development. He said this at a meeting which was held on development of Velanai Divisional Secretarial recently.

He further noted that the Velanai regional hospital has only one doctor and cannot cope with emergencies. Therefor he emphasized on appointing another doctor. Further he said that the Pungudutive rural hospital is in need of a permanent doctor to serve the area community. He asked them to accelerate the ongoing reconstruction of the Mandathiu Hospital. The Minister instructed the Regional Director of Health Service to attend to all these shortcomings as early as possible.

He discussed about the problems the public face regarding drinking water in the area with the public representatives. He advised them to take action to provide water through available water bowsers of Pradeshiya Sabha, Maltipurpose Co-Operative Societies, Sarvodaya and Sevalanka in a much more appropriate manner.

Further, the Minister advised the relevant officials to provide water for the needy people twice a day.

The Minister said that 13 lakes in Allaipiddi area were to be re-habilitated and instructed officials concerned to commence the rehabilitation work under “Yali Pubudamu” project. The Minister directed the police officials to stop illegal sand mining in Allaipiddi Mankumban area when it was brought to the notice of the minister that it had affected the ground water levels.

Further the Minister stated that the Road Development Authority with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy should immediately commence the rehabilitation work of the Vankalavadi – Puliyankulam Road running opposite Velanai Central College and complete the project within a period of one month.

He pointed out that there were 34 schools in the administrative area of Velanai Divisional Secretariat Division and out of which only 22 schools were functioning and another school was to be re-opened shortly. He instructed the relevant officials to submit a detailed report indicating the problems that prevent re-opening of these schools. Cultivation of cashew and dates in Velanai area was also discussed at the meeting.

Vijaya Rubani who had won the first prize at the national handicraft exhibition conducted by Seva Vanitha organization was presented by the minister at this event.

All state officials including the Velanai Divisional Secretary peoples’ representatives and representatives of voluntary organizations participated at this meeting.