CSD gears for islandwide census

Sandasen Marasinghe

The Census and Statistics Department (CSD) will complete the first phase in its preparation for the Census of Population and Housing in 2011 within two weeks, the first islandwide census after 30 years, said Census and Statistics Department Director General Suranjana Vidyaratne.

The mapping of all areas in the country except a very small area in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts is completed, Vidyaratne said at a press conference.

The mapping of these areas too will be completed within two weeks ahead of the first world statistics day which falls on October 20.

She also said that the listing of all the constructions across the country will commence in January for the Census. An additional 65,000 enumeration officers will also be recruited from all the districts on temporary basis in January to support the department to conduct the census and they will be trained by 700 trainers of the Census Department.

She added that more than 110,000 additional enumeration officers were recruited on a temporary basis during the 2001 census and this time it would be reduced due to the usage of modern technology. She added that during the 2001 Census, only 18 districts out of the 25 were taken into account due to security reasons in the North and East provinces. The 2001 Census was also held after 20 years of the previous one.

The Director General further stated that the Census will be held on a date between July and September. She added that modern technology is used at the Census so that a summery of the census on the population could be released within one month of the Census.

A report based on districtwise details will be released within six months and the complete report will be out within a year and it will consist of many reports prepared based on different variables.

In response to a question raised by a media personnel Mrs Vidyaratne said that all persons will be taken into consideration who will be present in Sri Lanka at the time of the Census and those living out of the country would not be counted.

The official celebration of the World Statistics Day will be held at the Foundation Institute on October 20 with Finance and Planning Deputy Ministers Dr Sarath Amunugama and Chandrasiri Gajadeera taking part as the Chief Guests.

Directors H R Gunesekara, Yasantha Fernando also spoke at the press conference and Directors A M U Dissanayake, D C A Gunawardene and Sarath Premakumara also participated at the occasion.