'People's thrust key to uplift rural economy'

The success of rural economy and living standards of the people depend on people's cooperation in the development process and building a sustainable infrastructure to meet the needs of villagers, said Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa crossing a temporary bridge which was to be replaced with a new bridge

The minister made these observations addressing meetings to mark the inauguration work on five rural bridges in the Dambulla, Pallepola and Galewela Secretarial Divisions of the Dambulla electorate in the Matale district under the programme to build 210 rural bridges.

Five new bridges will be constructed at Polwatte, Olaganwatte, Galkaduwa, Thammenna Ela and Wedamitiyawa.

Minister Rajapaksa requested those involved in the construction of bridges not to leave room for allegations that massive funds spending on people's welfare are not properly utilized.

Three bridges at Polwatte, Olaganwatte, Galkaduwa in the Pallepola Divisional Secretariat division across the Nalanda Oya will help make the shortest roads linking the Dambulla and Pallepola towns.

The bridge at Welamitiyawa in the Galewela Divisional Secretariat area will link the Galewela and Naulla divisions.

Minister Rajapaksa said the bridges were manufactured in Britain to withstand floods. Each bridge about 35 metres in length will be constructed at a height of 35 feet without pillars at the centre.

He also recalled that the government will replace 17 pontoon bridges with new bridges at places like Upparu, Gange, Verugal and Kinniya.