'Jaffna development on the front burner'

The government gives priority to the development of the Jaffna district, said Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda.

The minister was participating as the Chief Guest at a ceremony held at Jaffna Public Library to mark the opening of International Commercial and Industrial Trade Exhibition at Duraiappah Stadium from January 18 to 2.

Minister Devananda said the Jaffna International Trade Exhibition would prove to be a fraternal bridge joining the North and South as well as an occasion of Technology and knowledge transfer from the developed countries to the North. It also would be an ideal foundation for building strong cultural relationship with the people from India and the World Community, he said.

The minister said some ill-meaning anti-government politicians both in local and international fora disseminate the news for their benefit that no substantial development had been done in the district. However, the reality was that the development activities that were being done in the North at present had never been done even in the entire history of the North.

The minister urged the people to protect the peaceful environment prevailing and work towards the development of the country whilst strengthening the relationship with the rest of the regions of the country. He said the government was taking action to rid of obstacles in the path of development.

The minister said all steps to uplift the industries in the North would be taken and work on the Athcuveli Industrial Estate would be finalized soon. He thanked the Indian government for their support extended towards this project.

Commerce and Industries Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said that Jaffna International Trade Exhibition would help develop the industries in the North.