Kodikaman-Point Pedro road opened after 11 years:

Certain elements don't want North to prosper - Basil

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday said certain elements do not want to see people in the Northern province prosper..

"These elements want to be in power by harping on the travails faced by the people in the Northern province without an iota of thinking of how these people should be helped," he said.

The minister added that the government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa has focused on the development of the entire Northern region and a number of projects have already been implemented.

Minister Rajapaksa added that the people should receive the dividends of development and prosperity to get maximum benefits of peace that dawned in the country after a lapse of 30 years.

The minister was speaking at a ceremony at the Varani junction to mark the opening of Kodikaman - Point Pedro road after 11 years. A part of this road was closed for the past 11 years due to security reasons.

He said President Rajapaksa wants to bring dividends of development to every nook and corner of the country. "The government received a clear mandate from the people to make it a reality," he added.

The minister added that the government has launched housing , irrigation, livelihood , water supply and sanitation projects covering all districts in the Northern Province.

"We provided livelihood assistance to the people in the province. Farmers received fertilizer, seed paddy, water and many things from the government to resume their livelihood activities," he added.

The minister added that the government is aiming at developing the entire region. Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, Ministers Douglas Devananda and Rishad Bathiutheen were also present.