"In the near future people will enjoy the benefits of massive development projects that are taking place in every corner of the country," said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a gathering in Hakmana yesterday.

Hakmana town has been reconstructed with an expenditure of Rs. 554 million. Consequently, many development activities have begun.

The city is now equipped with 440 marketing stalls as a part of the Rs. 5,540 million Southern development drive initiated by the Government.

Apart from other infrastructure facilities the Hakmana city has also received a fully equipped two storey Pradeshiya Sabha building, an indoor stadium with a public playground and a ‘Town Hall’ which can accommodate up to 500 persons.

“The Government looks after nearly 300,000 IDPs who were earlier detained by the LTTE by force. We treat them in a cordial and friendly way though some narrow minded politicians try to tarnish the image of the country. Prabhakaran’s parents, Tamilchelvam’s wife and close relatives of high rankers of the LTTE are among the IDPs. Our Security Forces personnel help them," the President said.

“We never punish a father considering the brutality of the son. Therefore we look after even Prabhakaran’s parents,” he stressed.

The President clearly stated that he would develop Hakmana. Therefore now the people in Hakmana are benefited with a modern  town which consists of all the facilities, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.