Deyata Kirula a catalyst in development drive
Dharma Sri Abeyratne
Deyata Kirula national development drive will create a strong
platform for overall development of the country through an attitudinal
change, Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister and Deyata
Kirula exhibition committee chairman Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.
The minister was addressing a media conference at the government
Information Department yesterday. The minister said the Deyata Kirula
exhibition is a gateway for rapid development since the major focus is
on the overall development of the district, which have been selected for
the exhibition.
Accordingly, the government is upgrading infrastructure and living
standards in the Ampara, Polonaruwa, Trincomalee and Batticaloa
districts.
Meanwhile, the organizing committee of the Deyata Kirula exhibition
on the advice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa will showcase the country's
ancient and proud history through the Deyata Kirula exhibition. Massive
development projects have been implemented in four districts, including
Ampara at a cost of Rs 59,387 million to coincide with the Deyata Kirula
2013 national exhibition.
The exhibition will be held at the Ampara Hardy Technical Institute
and the surrounding area covering 273 acres from February 4 to 11
coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations.
Siyambalapitiya said the exhibition paves the way for a series of
development activities in the four districts, where infrastructure
facilities are being upgraded, while generating employment
opportunities. Of the allocation, Rs 45,375 million has been earmarked
solely for the development of identified development projects, including
road development activities.
Accordingly, Rs 3,062 million has been set apart for education sector
development, Rs 1,166 million for health, Rs 22,013 million for road
development, Rs 4,064 million for irrigation, Rs 7,208 million for water
supply projects, Rs 3,056 million for livelihood development and Rs
4,156 million for electrification projects, including rural
electrification.
Special attention has been focused on environment protection with an
allocation of Rs 246 million for the purpose. The development programme,
includes carpeting of several roads and providing water and electricity
.
Hospitals are being renovated with additions and improving many other
health sector related needs. Several water supply schemes, costing Rs
7,208 million and self employment projects for Samurdhi families are
among the major development projects. In addition, several pipe borne
water schemes benefiting 400 households have been completed with
community participation.
A micro finance system has been introduced to Samurdhi recipients for
self employment projects. Many dry lands will be irrigated by several
small scale irrigation projects.
Moreover, a few dilapidated irrigation tanks are being renovated to
benefit farmer families and to cultivate 850 acres of paddy lands.
Fulfilling a long-felt need, the Mahiyangana-Ampara road will be
completed along with other development projects by January 15.
|