Biggest slice for Jaffna development says Basil

Nethali STRUYS

The Economic Development Ministry has allocated the largest sum to the Jaffna district, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa told a meeting for MPs at the Jaffna Library yesterday.

The Minister pointed out that Rs 5,140 million has been allocated to the Jaffna district while Rs 2,100 million has been allocated for development activities in the Kilinochchi district. He requested officials to invest these funds in an appropriate manner to fulfil community needs.

The minister observed that on several occasions, officials involved in development activities in the area, have used funds given by the government on useless things without understanding the needs of the community.

"Some people are of the view that these development activities are linked to the election. This is not so. The development activities will be carried out till Jaffna becomes one of the most developed cities in the country," Minister Rajapaksa said.

He pointed out that the President's biggest achievement is providing the Northern community their voting rights and letting them choose their own leaders and representatives.

The public have chosen good leaders for the area, Minister Rajapaksa said.

"All throughout the year, government representatives were in charge of development activities in the Northern Province," he said.

"It is now time for other parties to get-together with the government and develop the area and fulfil the needs of the community," he added.