Houses for Delft islanders

To cash in on tourism:

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda said that the country is now experiencing a tourist boom.

He said if Delft Island is developed and made into a tourist hub, the lives of the Islanders would be greatly benefitted. Minister Devananda was speaking at a ceremony to present title deeds to 20 new houses built by the Navy.

Each house cost Rs 300,000 for construction.

The minister said another 280 houses will be built by the government with the support of the Navy for Delft Islanders under the first phase of the housing projects. He said all wells and tanks on Delft have been reconstructed.

'Plans are afoot to open a garment and coir factory for the uplift of women, he said. Minister Devananda said Northerners are grateful to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for helping improve their lives.

The ceremony was held at the Delft Sikkiri Yampalli Government Tamil School. Delft Divisional Secretary M Sri, Northern Province Governor Maj Gen GA Chandrasiri, Northern Navy Commander Admiral Ravi Wijayagunewardene, Delft Pradeshiya Sabha chairman Rexian Rajiv and EPDP Jaffna District Organizer Kamalendran were also present.