Development programs on a war footing island-wide

[October 13, 2004 - 10.00 GMT]  

The Government is to focus on a series on need-based development programmes. The President has directed that this should be put on a war footing.

The programme is to be officially launched on the 22^nd of October at the precincts of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya or the Sacred Bo Tree in the ancient North Central city of Anuradhapura. 

On Monday 11^th of October the President met all District and Divisional Secretaries to brief them on this development effort. She emphasized all development activities should be need-based and urged them to identify such projects within their administrative divisions. She said several projects have been left in abeyance mainly due to frequent elections and lack of coordination among government bodies. Large sums of monies, both foreign and local funds remain unspent since several planned development projects have been put on hold for a variety of reasons. The President said State officials should endeavour to acquire modern skills such as Information Technology and keep pace with contemporary global trends. 

Among the major development programs that have been earmarked for completion within a stipulated period are the construction of the Hambantota Harbour, the Norochcholai power plant, the Badulla-Kandy Expressway, Veheragala and Deduru Oya Irrigation projects, the Colombo National Cultural Central, Jaffna Cultural Centre and Muslim Cultural Centre, the Colombo Central Bus Station and the Kalu Ganga multi-purpose development project. Plans are afoot to implement 30,000 self-employment projects under the auspices of the Samurdhi movement.  

The President added that countries in the world reached development targets through well-managed rural projects. Therefore, she said District Secretaries have a vita role to play in providing leadership at grassroots level.

Associated with the President were Ministers Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Maithripala Sirisena, Deputy Ministers and Ministry Secretary of Samurdhi, Secretary to the President and Secretaries of several key Ministries.

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Last Updated Date: October 13, 2004  - 10.00 GMT.