'National rejuvenation getting into top gear' - Part II:

Mine-clearing at a steady pace

Text of keynote speech for the defence seminar, 'Towards Lasting Peace And Stability' delivered by Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on August 8

Many of these areas are places where heavy fighting took place during the last stages of the war. It is expected that these areas too will be completely cleared in the very near future.

The scale of the problem the government faced in demining can be clearly seen from the number of mines and other devices unearthed and neutralised during the demining process. As at end June 2012, 469,275 antipersonnel mines, 1,399 anti-tank mines, and 388,963 unexploded ordnance devices had been recovered. It is because of the number of mines and IEDs laid by the LTTE was so very large that demining in some areas continues to this day.

Alongside the demining process, 'Reconstruction' was expedited in each area that was cleared of mines and rendered safe. As a result of LTTE action and long neglect, many of the houses, business premises, government offices, schools, hospitals, other facilities and infrastructure were in need of significant repair and improvement. Despite the government's continuous provision of utilities and services, LTTE dominance had prevented long term development from taking place in these areas for nearly three decades. As such, the existing facilities and infrastructure were quite poor before the Humanitarian Operation was launched in 2006. After the dawn of peace in May 2009, bringing these towns and villages to a level on par with the rest of the country was a key concern of the government.

New housing units

The renovation of houses and construction of new housing units was one of the government’s first priorities in terms of reconstruction. The Army has been involved in several programmes to renovate damaged houses and construct new ones. Under a grant sponsored by the government of India, 43,000 new houses will also be constructed in these regions. The pilot project for this programme was launched in 2010, and 1,000 houses have already been built and handed over to the beneficiaries. Through the on-going programmes, the housing stock in the North will be greatly increased and improved over the next few years.

Infrastructure development was another key concern. Almost immediately after the war ended, the President appointed a Presidential Task Force for Reconstruction and Resettlement in the North to expedite work in these areas. The government also launched a programme entitled 'Northern Spring' to undertake large development projects in the North. A similar programme called 'Eastern Dawn', had already been launched in the East even while the Humanitarian Operation was still underway.

Infrastructure development, electricity, water supply and sanitation, agriculture, irrigation, livestock development, inland fisheries, health, solid waste disposal, education, sports, cultural affairs and transportation were all areas addressed under these two programmes.

Irrigation infrastructure

A team of officials was appointed to each District to identify and direct the necessary activities. Essential infrastructure, including access roads, minor tanks, public buildings, hospitals, schools, were upgraded quickly in order to facilitate speedy resettlement. With the completion of these priority projects, attention turned to larger undertakings. The development of the road network throughout the North was expedited. Several important bridges were built. The restoration of railway infrastructure was also a priority, since this had been destroyed by the LTTE and had ceased functioning in 1990. Repairing this infrastructure was critical. The railway track from Omanthai to Pallai is scheduled to be completed by September 2013, and the track from Pallai to Kankasanthurai is expected to be completed by June 2014. The track from Medawachchiya to Madhu is scheduled for completion in March 2013, and the remainder from Madhu to Talaimannar is expected to be complete by September 2013. Township development, including improved administrative facilities for enhanced delivery of state services, is also taking place in all districts.

Much of the irrigation infrastructure, including canals and tanks, was restored early on to revive agriculture and farming, while major programmes to upgrade drinking water supply and sanitation are also underway. Through expedited electrification programmes, many areas that did not have power before have begun to benefit from electricity. The restoration of most of the 1,000 schools that functioned in the North is another significant achievement, as are the steps being taken to improve healthcare through construction of new facilities and upgrading of old hospitals. In addition to the infrastructure and facilities being built by the government, I am pleased to note that a large number of private sector organisations have set up operations in the North, including financial institutions.

The role played by the military in the reconstruction activities just described deserves to be highlighted. For many of the projects undertaken, especially those begun soon after the end of the war, the military provided engineering expertise, construction plant and equipment, as well as much of the necessary manpower. While state owned institutions such as the State Engineering Corporation and the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau undertook several responsibilities, and while many private sector and foreign organisations won contracts for certain projects, the fact remains that the military was essential in facilitating the reconstruction activities. At the same time, it also helped facilitate several other important functions, including supporting the care of the internally displaced.

Welfare Villages

While demining and reconstruction activities were going on, the displaced civilians were housed at Welfare Villages set up by the government. There were five Welfare Villages in all: four in the Vavuniya District, including Manik Farm, and one in Mannar. Each Welfare Village was divided into blocks of shelters. The shelters were provided with electricity, and each block had separate kitchens, toilets, bathing areas and child friendly spaces.

Special priority was given for public areas and for the conduct of recreational activities. Provision of water exceeded World Health Organisation requirements, and all sanitation facilitates were maintained to a good standard.

Food and nutrition was a particular area of concern. During the initial stages, cooked food packets were distributed to the IDPs, but within a couple of weeks, community kitchens were set up in each residential block.

Basic rations were issued free of charge. In addition to what was provided by the government, significant assistance was provided by the UN organisations, foreign countries, NGOs, civil society organisations and the general public.

 To be continued