Lanka, a model in development

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Sri Lanka, during the past, depended on foreign countries to learn about the development work and plans. Those same foreign countries are now looking to Sri Lanka to learn about the development process which is on a fast track after the ending of the three decade war, Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Director General Lakshman Hulugalle said.

He said the government has taken measures to implement a large number of development programmes throughout the country, specially in the North and East Provinces, with the end of the war.

“The government decided to solicit the assistance of all three Forces for the country’s development process to increase efficiency. Sri Lanka has a victorious Armed Force and the government believes they are the most suitable partner for the country’s development process,” Hulugalle said. Addressing a press briefing at the MCNS auditorium yesterday, Hulugalle said the Army, Navy and the Air Force contributed to Sri Lanka’s development throughout the past three years and it was they who helped to eradicate terrorism from the country.

“The country’s defence sector has to play a vital role in the country’s development. All three Forces support to develop the tourism industry while developing the cities. Beautifying cities help attract foreign investors to the island and bring more investment,” he said.

The Forces’ contribution helped the country save a large sum. The Army saved over Rs 300 billion by contributing their labour for the development programmes.

The Army has been involved in the country’s development process in various ways, including demining, resettlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation, Army Director (Media) Brigadier G V Ravipriya said.

He said during the last stage of the humanitarian mission, around 296,000 IDPs came to areas controlled by the Security Forces.

“A large number have already been resettled while only 150 families are still to be resettled. Some IDPs have been resettled in their own villages and native places. Some got permanent homes constructed with the assistance of the Army,” Army Media Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said.

He said after the end of the conflict, the Army identified 2,061 square kilometers as landmine areas of which around 1,950 square kilometres have been already cleared with the assistance of various groups.

Navy Media Spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasooriya and Police Media Spokesman SSP Prishantha Jayakody were also present.