Billions for rural development

Indunil HEWAGE

The government reiterates its commitment to uplift the country's economy by promoting prolific investments with a view to making Sri Lanka the 'Wonder of Asia.'

Prof Madduma Bandara

Speaking to Daily News Business, Economic Development Ministry Communication and Development Director General Prof Y M Sunanda Madduma Bandara said the Ministry has identified immediate priority areas such as regional and rural development, poverty alleviation and empowerment of the poor, promoting investments to Sri Lanka, travel and tourism industry development and nature and wildlife conservation.

Under the Uthuru Wasanthaya programme, various projects funded by the government are taking place. In keeping with provincial development programmes ,it is also planned to develop infrastructure particularly roads, water supply, electrification, irrigation and livelihood development programmes in all nine provinces.

Under the Uthuru Wasanthaya programme, the government has granted Rs. 400 million this year for the rehabilitation of religious places and the Jaffna lagoon and to remove the landmines.

The government has approved Rs 600 million, Rs 2673 million, Rs 2573 and Rs 2973 million this year for Nagenahira Navodaya, Pubudamu Wellassa, Sabaragamu Arunalokaya and Rajarata Navodaya projects respectively , and this expenditure will cover the implementation of various projects such as infrastructure development, particularly irrigation ,water projects, housing projects and road development projects.

The government has also granted Rs 2873 million, Rs 2573 million ,Rs 2656 million and Rs 2673 million this year for Kadurata Udanaya, Wayamba Pubuduwa, Ran Aruna and Ruhunu Udanaya projects respectively.

Commenting on the recently introduced Divi Naguma Project Prof Madduma Bandara said, this a national development drive which has been implemented to enhance the economy in Sri Lanka.

"Under the Divi Naguma programme, it is expected to improve nutritional level of community while assisting them to increase their income generation in agriculture, livestock development, fisheries and other areas. The main objective of the project is to develop one million domestic economic units and the government will provide seeds, equipment and fertilizer worth of Rs 10000 for each domestic economic unit. It was planned to develop one million economic units and at the moment we have 1.1 million economic units.Those who are interested in expanding their economic activities furthermore are also entitled to receive further assistance from the government," Prof Madduma Bandara said.