From 2006 to 2011: Rs. 160 b for N, E reconstruction

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The government has spent Rs.160 billion for reconstruction activities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces from 2006 to 2011.

According to Ecconomic Development Ministry Additional Secretary Nihal Somaweera Rs.15 billion has been spent for the uplift of people’s livelihoods in the Northern Province. The Eastern Province contributes six percent to the national economy and it is higher than the contribution made by the North Central and Uva Provinces.

Somaweera said that the Northern Province contributes three percent to the national economy. He said a number of projects have been implemented by various ministries in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Many short term projects have been completed and mid term projects are being completed.

The Ministries of Power and Energy, Irrigation and Water Resource Management, Highways and Transport have also implemented a large number of development programmes in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. All short term development projects have been already completed and mid term projects are on-going under four categories - demining, resettlement, livelihood development and infrastructure facilities.

Sri Lanka Army has deployed over 2,000 soldiers for demining activities and they handle 85 percent of the demining programme. Another six groups have also been involved in the demining programme in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

The government has spent US Dollars 800 million for developing 250 kilometers of railway tracks in these provinces and they have spent US Dollars 65 million for power projects there. According to that the Power and Energy Ministry has taken measures to connect the Jaffna Peninsula to the national power grid at the end of the next year. The government has spent Rs.1064 million for Iranamadu Water Project and Rs.600 million for Northern Rural Development programme as well.

According to the Economic Development Ministry sources all these development programmes are to finish at the end of 2013.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/03/28/news01.asp