More development funds for North, East than spent to fight terrorism

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The government is spending a huge sum to develop the Northern and Eastern Provinces. It is higher than the amount spent to eradicate terrorism in these provinces, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.

People in the North and East were the most affected during the period of terrorism, suffering for over 30 years.

These efforts are meant to grant all benefits experienced by other parts of the country to them, he added.The minister was addressing the opening ceremony of a newly built anchor lodge in Singhapura, Kuchchaweli, Trincomalee.

The minister also opened the newly built holiday resort at Kuchchaweli.

Funds for the projects were provided by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). Over Rs.77 million was spent on the twin projects.

A majority of tourists visiting Sri Lanka are keen to observe Sri Lankan fishing methods and activities related to the fisheries industry, the minister said.

Hence the development of the fisheries industry will support the tourism industry’s development as well, he added.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has given priority to develop the fisheries industry simultaneously to the tourism industry development in his Mahinda Chinthana future vision as well. Making headway in the fisheries sector by developing fisheries harbours, anchor lodges and all other aspects related to the industry will be very helpful to attract more tourists to the country, Minister Senaratne said.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Deputy Minister Sarath Kumara Gunaratne, Economic Development Deputy Minister Susantha Punchinilame, Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation chairman Upali Liyanage and IFAD Programme National Coordinator D. Prathapasinghe were also present.