‘Kandy to figure prominently in ‘Asia’s Miracle’ quest’

Nadira Gunatilleke

‘All infrastructure development work in Kandy is scheduled to be completed within two years. The responsibility of the government is towards the people living in Kandy became greater after the LG poll victory of the UPFA in Kandy because the people placed their complete trust in the government and voted for the UPFA marking a historical election victory.

This is the reply given by the people of Kandy to the government and the government will give high priority to their trust by placing Kandy high in the quest to Sri Lanka becoming Asia’s Miracle. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is well aware of the requirements of the people of Kandy and extends his fullest support towards meeting these requirements,’ Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told the Daily News yesterday. Minister Rambukwella said President Mahinda Rajapaksa has promised to build a domestic airport in Kandy.

A 100-acre land from Karandagolla in Kundasale has already been allocated for this purpose. The required number of acres will be used from this land to build the airport. A feasibility study would be conducted soon and wind belts are to be checked with the assistance of the Air Force. Discussions are going on with the Air Chief Marshal in connection with the project. The entire project will be completed within a short period of time. President Rajapaksa visits Kandy regularly and inspects development activities enthusiastically.

‘The Bogambara Prison is to be moved away from Kandy. This was a long-standing request made by the public but all former political leaders only talked about it without implementing it practically. All sub roads in Kandy will also be developed. Around 70 percent of carpeting of sub roads have already been completed which will solve the main problem of Kandy traffic congestions.

Carrying out development work was hard during the past due to certain legal restrictions and hazards caused by the LG bodies administered by the Opposition but now such problems do not exist any longer. A mega water supply project is to be implemented in Kundasale electorate at a cost of Rs 1,400 million. The proposed water supply scheme will provide drinking water to more than 20,000 people living in the area. Kundasale will not face a drinking water shortage for another 15 to 20 years once this project is completed. Cabinet approval has already been granted to the proposal made by Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to implement the project, Minister Rambukwella pointed out.

‘The project has been planned considering future demand for water and the high population density. The project will supply water to Madolkelle, Petiyagedara, Narampanawa, West Hatale, Kosgama and Wavinna areas. It will cover seven Grama Niladhari Divisions.

Under the same project system improvement in Kundasale, Balagolla water treatment plant is proposed to match the water deficit arising due to abstraction of water from Arattana water treatment plant. Improvement in Arattana water treatment plant including supply and installation of pumps will be done under this project. The co-operation extend by the officials and all staffs connected to the project and their dedication is commendable,’ said the minister.