The government initiated a mega development drive to develop the Northern Province parallel to the resettling of people aiming to rise from the debris, left over by the devastating terrorism. No one disagrees with the fact that the Northern Province deserves all attention after a lapse of thirty years.

The massive plan is aiming to make the five districts of the North; Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullativu, Vavuniya and Mannar to be the most developed parts of the country.

Under this, projects are carried out to expedite de-mining activities and resettlement, build and repair houses roads and bridges in the districts. Projects to develop the status of health and education, supply facilities for livelihood of the people are also afoot to boost the social infrastructure of the districts. The government is also expanding the provision of electricity to the households in these five districts. Projects for construct irrigation systems and water supply and sanitation are also carried out to make the Northern Province developed.

Jaffna District

De-mining & Resettlement

In Jaffna District mine clearance has been completed in 59% of the total area. De-mining is in progress in another 6% of the land area of the district. In addition from Eluthumaduwal to Kankesanthurai, 44.4 Km distance is being de-mined for rehabilitation of railway tracks.

24,863 families were resettled in Jaffna District and resettlement assistance of Rs 25,000 was paid to 22,000 families. 147,800 Cement bags and 98,208 Roofing Sheets were delivered to resettled families. 24,219 families have received the Dry food Materials. Jungle clearance activity has been completed in 72 GN Divisions and 2,500 families benefited.

Resettlement activities in Vadamarachchi East

Housing

Reconstruction of 13,196 houses damaged by the conflict has commenced and 7,904 houses have been completed during 2006 to 2010. 2,826 new houses were constructed during the first part of 2010. Under Indian Housing Assistance, 2150 houses are proposed to be reconstructed in Jaffna District.

Education

Renovations of Jaffna University Auditorium and Construction of Mini Gymnasium have been done at a cost of Rs. 3.5m. In 05 Educational Zones, 224 projects have been implemented. Works of Office building of Zone Director Education and 31 school buildings were completed and furniture and books were supplied to reconstructed schools at a cost of Rs. 17.07m.

Mini Gymnasium of University of Jaffna

Health

Construction of hospital buildings & quarters and supply of vehicles at a cost of Rs. 25.78m have commenced and 28, 000 families were benefited from these projects.

Administrative Block with OPD at Chavakachcheri Base Hospital

Community Development

24 community buildings, 48 multipurpose buildings and one Play ground were reconstructed at a cost of Rs. 82.3m and 100,000 families benefited from these facilities. Two pre school buildings and a Health Care Centre were reconstructed at a cost of Rs. 1 million.

Roads & Bridges

Reconstruction of rural roads has been done to cover 166.15 Km at a cost of Rs. 128.74 m. Municipal Roads and 68 Pradeshiya Sabha Roads were also reconstructed.

Water Supply & Sanitation

36 wells and minor tanks were repaired with a cost of Rs. 1.0m expenditure

Irrigation

Valukkai Aru Scheme is being rehabilitated with the cost of Rs. 26.67 Mn for irrigating 1,348 ha. 18 Nos minor and medium Tanks were reconstructed at a cost of Rs. 30.3 Mn. Thondamanaru and Ariyalai Barrage are being rehabilitated at the estimated cost of Rs 149.23 Mn.

Valukkai Aru Scheme

Electricity

Two villages were electrified under 3 sub projects at the cost of Rs 5.95m in two D.S Divisions.

Ports Development

Under Ports Development, KKS harbour is being reconstructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 983.26m.

Provision of Supply Facilities for Livelihood

42 projects with the cost of Rs 84.48m are being implemented in 2010. Under this works of ten Agrarian Service Centres were completed. Also, 56 of Grapes cultivators were assisted and 50 Jaffna farmers were assisted by providing seeds and agricultural tools.

Construction of Nargovil Market has been completed at a cost of Rs. 5.80m and Works of Vadamarachi East MPCS Head office and Branches were completed with Rs. 15.54m investment. Under Gama Neguma, Rs 4.0 m Allocated for ICE Plant Project it is expected 2271 families will benefit.

Coconut Seedlings Nursery

Kilinochchi District

De-mining & Resettlement

88 GN Divisions in Kilinochchi has been cleared for resettlement and de-mining work in another 7 GN Divisions is in progress. Mine fields in 58 locations have been identified and being cleared.

In Kilinochchi district 35,475 families have been resettled in 4 DS divisions and Resettlement allowance of Rs. 25000 /= has been provided to 4,770 resettled families under Livelihood Assistance Scheme. 71,352 Cement packets, 184,380 Roofing Tin Sheets and 32,533 Dry food materials were delivered to resettled families. Jungle clearance activity has been completed in 56 GN division and 8258 families were benefited.

De-mining in Karachchi Division

Housing

In 2010, 3484 houses are being reconstructed. Under Indian Housing Assistance 17000 houses are proposed to be reconstructed.

Education

Three of school buildings in Poonakary and Zonal Education office in Karachchi have been repaired and renovated at a cost of Rs. 21.69m.

Community Development

Rs. 22m was allocated for construction/reconstruction of 14 MPCS buildings. A sum of Rs. 7.08m was allocated for 22 Social and Spots development activities. 21 activities have been completed.

Roads & Bridges

Nearly 300 km of roads programmed for rehabilitation at a cost of 94.77Mn in Kilinochchi District. 31 projects worth Rs58.78Mn have been completed so far.

Water Supply & Water Resources

In 2010, two activities completed out of 4 projects at a cost of Rs. 0.58m. Sum of Rs. 2m was allocated to construct 3 production wells.

Agriculture & Livestock

Repairs of Urithirapuram Agrarian Service Centre and renovation of Agriculture Regional Research station, two Quarters and Watcher Hut have been completed with allocation of Rs. 15.48m. In addition to that Rs. 17.3m was allocated to construct/repair 6 Fertilizer Stores, 2 Seed Farms, Karachchi Agrarian Centre and to provide infrastructure facilities to Regional Agriculture Research Centre.

Veterinary offices in Karachchi, Kandavalai and Poonakary will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 7.5m.

Fisheries

The office building for Assistant Director of Fisheries in Karachchi and the district fisheries inspector office in Poonakary will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.7m to facilitate the fishermen in the district.

Irrigation

Akkarayan Kulam is being rehabilitated at cost of Rs100Mn for irrigating 1383 hectares of paddy fields and 40 minor medium tanks are on going with allocation of Rs. 83.80m.

Kanagambikai Tank work - Karachchi, Kilinochchi

Mullaitivu District

De-mining & Resettlement

In Mullaitivu district out of 218 villages de-mining has been completed in 96 villages and in progress in another 110 villages. Mines yet to be cleared in 12 Villages

Demining at Kumarapuram GN Division, Meritamepattu DS Division

19,259 families were resettled in all 5 DS Divisions. 51,232 Cement bags, 166,600 Tin Sheets and 14,560 Dry food materials were provided to resettled families. Around 12,811 families are to be resettled. A sum of Rs. 265.38m was granted for cash for work to manage immediate needs of the 9,147 resettled families in 85 GN Divisions.

Housing

Constructions of 1,808 houses are going on. It is proposed to reconstruct 12,500 houses under Indian Housing Assistance. 613 No of Houses were completed in 2006 and Conflict Damage Housing

Education

A sum of Rs. 13.44m was allocated for renovation of 14 school buildings to improve the education facilities to the students.

Roads & Bridges

A sum of Rs. 102.83m was allocated for rehabilitation of 73.39 of Km Roads in Mullaitivu District and 25.39 Km of Roads were rehabilitated.

Water Supply & Sanitation

Rs.90m was allocated for 3 water supply scheme for improve the drinking water facilities to Oddisuddan, Thunukkai & Manthai East DS Divisions and sum of Rs. 59.00m was expended.

Irrigation

21 minor tanks were rehabilitated at a cost of Rs. 2.07m. In addition, a sum of Rs.38.20m was allocated for the rehabilitation of another 23 Minor tanks and Rs. 60.00m was allocated for the rehabilitation of Thenniyan Kulam Medium term Irrigation Tank and 35 % of work is completed.

Agriculture

A sum of Rs.3.52m was allocated for improvement of the pulses and yam cultivation and 1750 farmers are benefited under these projects and a sum of Rs. 11.72m was allocated for reconstruction of 9 Agricultural related buildings to provide better services to the farmers. In addition, Rs. 14.5m was allocated to renovate 8 fertilizer stores and two food & paddy store buildings.

Livestock

A sum of Rs. 3.54 m was allocated for promotion of the livestock activities and 2 Veterinary office buildings are being reconstructed with allocation of Rs. 4.00m.

Co-operative Development

Nine MPCS building are being reconstructed with an allocation of Rs. 34.66m and Expenditure was incurred Rs. 6.27m.

Karumpulliyan Outlets Building

Spiritual Development

A sum of Rs.4.00m was allocated for completion of 6 Religious buildings in Thunukai and Manthai DS Division.

Facilities for Skill Development

118 trainees were trained at a cost of Rs.7.82m out of Rs.9m allocated and 50 trainees are being trained.

Vavuniya District

Demining & Resettlement

Mine clearance has been completed in 70 GN divisions out of 72 suspected GN Divisions in Vavuniya District. Overall progress is 91%.

Relief and Resettlement facilitated in 72 GN divisions included to the 182 villages. Altogether, 8,679 families (29,314 Persons) have been resettled. To resettlers, 64,000 cement packets to 8,000 families, 77,736 Roofing Tin Sheets to 6,478 families, agriculture equipments to 3430 families were issued. Payment Rs. 25,000/= & above to each 4,663 resettled families to recognize their livelihood in the resettled areas. And 4,025 permanent & 726 transitional shelters were provided to them. 8,335 families have received the dry food materials.

Housing

7,000 Houses were proposed for reconstruction, 1,250 houses proposed for repair and 200 cluster houses committed under Indian assistance. 695 Houses and 595 Transitional Houses approved.

Health

A sum of Rs. 4.27m was spent to construct a building Artificial Prosthesis Centre at Vavuniya General Hospital.

Road & Bridge

Rehabilitation of 117.9 km main roads & internal roads is targeted at an allocation of Rs. 94.62 Mn. for 2010. Expenditure upto now is Rs. 61.40m.

Water Supply & Sanitation

Rehabilitation works of Water Supply Scheme at Nedunkerny are going on at the cost of Rs. 25.6. Seven rural water supply projects are being implemented in 2010,

Irrigation

Mamaduwa Irrigation Scheme at a cost of Rs. 50m for irrigating 267 ha. 285 families to be benefited from this scheme. 98% of the work has completed at a cost of Rs. 47.5m. Nampankulam Irrigation Scheme at the cost of Rs. 30m. for irrigating 104 ha. 49 families are to be benefited from this Scheme. Pavatkulam Scheme is also being implemented this year. Until now, Rs. 42.0m. spent for these schemes. In addition, Rs 23m was allocated to renovate the minor and medium thanks in 2010.

Agriculture

Damaged Agrarian Service Centre including Fertilizer Stores are being renovated and A.I quarters Kanagarayankulam.

Livelihood Assistance

Rs 104.57m was allocated for improve the livelihood activities in 2010. Rs 39.99m was expended up to now.
 

Mannar District

Demining & Resettlement

Mine clearance has been completed in 76 GN Divisions out of total 153 and resettlement has been commenced. Overall progress is 92%.

13624 families were resettled. 2,707 families have got the payment of Rs.25,000/= as Resettlement Assistance. Jungle Clearance activity is going on 57 GN Divisions and the expenditure up to now is Rs.128.28m. After the completion of jungle clearing activities 4,545 families will be benefited. 101,821 Roofing Sheets for 6,648 families and 64,000 Cement bags for 8,000 families were issued to facilitate the resettlement process. 58,379 Beneficiaries received dry food assistance.

Housing

Out of 1,484 Housing Units, 170 Houses were constructed and 1,311 Housing construction is going on. From January to September 2010 expenditure is Rs.204.15m

Education

25 Sub Projects such as Reconstruction of School Buildings and Supply of Library Books and Furniture were implemented at a cost of Rs.185.90m. In the year 2010 Rs.1.2m was spent for the supply of furniture to schools.

Reconstruction of three storied school building at Sithivinayagar Hindu College, Mannar

Health

Medical Equipment & Eye Equipment were provided at a cost of Rs.16.25m to Mannar General Hospital.

Community Development

Rs.11.77m was spent for the construction of MPCS buildings at Musali , Manthai West & Mannar DS Divisions and Repairs of MPCS Building at Musali DS Division. Predeshiya Sabha Sub Office, Market Buildings, Post Office, Public Library & Multipurpose Buildings construction is going on at a cost of Rs.39.23 m from which Rs.2.36 m was spent.

Water Supply & Sanitation

Construction of Water Supply Scheme in Arrippu – Musali DS Division was completed at a cost of Rs.7.33m. In addition, Vidathalthivu, Adampan and Thevanpiddy Water Supply Schemes are going on at a cost of Rs.56.00 m from which Rs.40.38 m was already spent.

Electricity

Supply of Electricity to villages is going on at a cost of Rs.4.00 m. 60% of Works are completed. Upon completion of the project 550 persons will be benefited.

Electricity Supply to Villages in Mannar

Irrigation

Rehabilitation of Giants Tank is going on Physical Progress is 77%. Out of Rs.160m Allocation, Rs.61.74m was spent. 20% of Thadchanamaruthamadhu Tank Work is completed and the Expenditure is Rs.9.22m. Allocation is Rs.26.00m. Rehabilitation of Akathimurippu Tank Scheme is implemented at a cost of Rs.110.00m out of which Rs.99.77m has already been spent. Physical Achievement is 50%.

Renovated Palavi Tank at Thiruketheeswaram

Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry work allocation is Rs.3.5m from which Rs.1.60m has already been spent. Physical achievement is 80%.

Roads & Bridges

Reconstruction of Rural, Municipal & Local Roads has been done to cover 17.75 km at a cost of Rs.10.78m. Rehabilitation of 50.75 km road works is going on at a cost of Rs.12.71 Mn

Livelihood Assistance

Implementation of Livelihood Support Activities for Mannar, Madhu, Nanaddan and Musali DS Division is going on at a cost of Rs.50.00m from which Rs.14.90m has already been spent. Livelihood Assistance is implemented at a cost of Rs.0.70m. Expenditure is Rs.0.51m.

Facilities for Skill Development

Construction of 20 Training Centers at Mannar, Nanaddan & Musali DS Divisions are implemented at a cost of Rs13.32m. Expenditure is Rs.5.67m. Masonry & Carpentry Training for 125 Trainees is given at a cost of Rs.4.34m.

Mat Weaving Training

Trade

Rehabilitation of 11 Nos. of Markets & Industrial Buildings & 2 Bakeries is going on at a cost of Rs.6.30m. Expenditure is Rs.2.58m.

Spiritual

A sum of Rs.2.11m was allocated to perform the religious activities in Mannar District. Under Thiruketheeswaram Temple Development Programme Rs.256.43m was allocated in 2010, out of this, Rs.135.00m was spent.

Eastern Awakening

After nearly three decades of oppression due to LTTE terrorism, the Eastern Province was liberated with the Mavil-Aru humanitarian operation, bringing new hope for lasting peace and prosperity to the region. Since the liberation, the people of the East have seen positive changes. The government took immediate steps to clear landmines, resettle the displaced and establish democracy in the province.
Elections were held in March 2008 to the Local Authorities after lapse of 14 years. Elections of members to the first ever Eastern Provincial Council were held in May 2008.

For the first time in nearly three decades, the people of the Eastern Province were able to fully exercise their right to participate in the democratic process, a right which was denied to them by the LTTE. With the elections, the Batticaloa Municipal Council was established and Batticaloa’s first Lady Mayor, Sivageetha Prabagaran was elected.

A year and a half since the elections, the Eastern Province has seen massive development in all sectors. There is significant improvement in the civil administration, livelihoods of people, education sector, economy and infrastructure restoration as well as security in the region.

Under the “Negenahira Navodaya” Programme major development projects have commenced and some completed in all three districts of the Eastern Province. The programme aims to promote de-militarization, development, democratization and devolution in the East. Thus, it incorporates the core components of the Mahinda Chintana which are restoration of law and order and civil administration, equitable resource allocation among all communities, speedy implementation of the de-mining programme, restarting livelihood activities and reconstruction of damaged social and economic patterns, as well as restoring infrastructure.

The government’s expenditure between 2006 – 2008 for re-settlement, economic infrastructure, productive sector and social infrastructure was Rs.12 240.55, 81 951.51, 2 662.10 and 5 545.94 millions respectively.

Maintaining law and order

The Government has taken action to station security forces in strategic locations to establish a strong security network in the Eastern Province. It has established new police stations and police posts and also recruited Tamil police officers for the Eastern Province.

Five new Police Stations and 41 new Police Posts have been established in the Batticaloa District while 7 new Police Stations and 6 new Police Posts have been established in the Trincomalee and Ampara District, respectively.

Also 301 Tamil speaking Police Officers from the Eastern Province have been recruited and at present they are deployed to serve the people in the Batticaloa District.

Agriculture

Paddy

Paddy cultivation areas were 4% in 2006-2007 and it was increased up to 7% in 2007-2008 in Ampara District. It was -13% in Batticaloa District in 2006-2007 and then increased to 133% in 2007-2008. The paddy cultivation area in Trincomalee District was 38% in 2006-2007 and it increased up to 58% in 2007-2008.

Overall the paddy cultivation was increased from 5% in 2006-2007 to 38% in 2007-2008. The average yield of the Eastern Province increased from 4.1 in 2007 to 4.29 in 2008.

Other Crops

Maize cultivation was 8,200m in 2006-2007 and it was increased to 12,775m in 2008-2009. As a result the maize production went up from 12,301M to 19,163m in 2008-2009.

Ground Nut cultivation was 1,089m in 2006-2007 and increased to 2,127m in 2008-2009. Thus, the Ground Nut production went up from 2,178m (2006-2007) to 4,254m in 2008-2009.

Green Gram cultivation was 1,115m in 2006-2007 and it was increased to 2,310m in 2008-2009. Thus, the production increased from 1, 673m (2006-2007) to 3,466m in 2008-2009

Cowpea cultivation was 742m in 2006-2007 and it was increased to 6,409m in 2008-2009. The production increased from 1,114m (2006-2007) to 9,610m in 2008-2009.

Red Onion cultivation was 416m in 2006-2007 and it was increased to 634m in 2008-2009. The production increased from 10,400m (2006-2007) to 15,850m in 2008-2009.

Vegetables

Vegetable cultivation in the Eastern Province was 5345 hectares in 2006-2007. It was increased to 9518 hectares in 2008-2009.

Livestock

The cattle population in the Province was 264,063 in 2006 and it was increased to 326,671 in 2008 while the poultry population was 698,074 in 2006 and increased to 883,821 in 2008.

Milk Production

The total milk production of the Eastern Province was 96,411 litres per day in 2006. It was increased to 160, 404 litres in 2008 due to access to collection facilities and replacement of lost livestock.

Other dairy products, such as curd, ghee yoghurt also increased according to the higher milk production in the East.

Infrastructure

The expenditure for economic infrastructure in Eastern Province was Rs.82, 951.51 million. The government expenditure for the construction of roads and bridges was Rs.36, 209.02m. The Government also allocated Rs.1533.19m for electricity, Rs.44, 865.30m for water supply and drainage, Rs.68.75m for transport and Rs.75.25m for ports development.

Housing Projects

The Government has initiated a project to build 42,747 houses in the Eastern Province, at a cost of Rs.9591.087 million.

Housing Scheme for the Eastern Province

The Government is building 34,860 new houses for middle and low income families in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee Districts. 26,500 of existing houses will be improved under this project. The fund requirement for this task is Rs.10, 667 million.

Roads and bridges

The Government has initiated construction and repair of 3007 km of roads, 28 new culverts and 32 bridges. The expenditure for this task is Rs.36 209.02 million.

Road projects in the East such as Bogahawewa-Pulmudai, Trincomalee-Pulmudai, Trincomalee-Habarana, Ambilanthurai-Veeramunai, Akkarapattu-Sakamam, Outer circular, Alla-Kanthale, Trincomalee-Thirukkondiadumadu, Siyambalanduwa-Pthuvil-Akkarapattu and Potuvil-Panama have been successfully completed.

The Kinniya Bridge in Trincomalee was successfully completed at a cost of Rs.789mn and opened to the public. This is currently the longest bridge in Sri Lanka and significant as it is built in the Eastern Province which was plagued by terrorism just a few years ago. Road Connectivity Upparau, Manampitiya, Pudawikkattu, Irakkandi, Yan Oya, Arugambay and Komari Causeway bridges have successfully completed.

Oddamavadi, , Ralkullai, Gangai, Verugal, Panichchankerny Causeway, Kayankerny, Kallady, Koddaikalar Causeway, Periyakallar Causeway, are the ongoing projects for bridges in the East.

Road Connectivity

Power and Energy

The Eastern Province was gradually provided with electricity and areas with electricity substantively increased from 2005 to 2008.

Electricity was provided to only 42.33% in Ampara District in 2005. It increased to 56.50% in 2008. Batticaloa District had electricity in only 46.00% of the province in 2005 but went up to 54.20% by 2008. It was 55.57% in Trincomalee District in 2005 and then rose to 56.50% in 2008. In 2005 only 47.90% of the entire Eastern Province had electricity but it increased to 59.00% by 2008.

Ports Development

The Sri Lankan government has commenced development of ports not only in the western and southern parts of the country but also in the Eastern and Northern Provinces, where terrorism prevailed for nearly three decades. The government’s commitment to spread development to the entire nation and bring better lives to all communities is evident through these port development projects in the North and East.

Trincomalee Port

Trincomalee harbor is the fifth largest natural harbour in the world and the available water and land area is about ten times as much as the Port of Colombo.

Trincomalee was tentatively identified to cater for bulk and break bulk cargo and port related industrial activities including heavy industries, tourism and agriculture etc.

At present Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is in the process of developing Trincomalee as a metropolis growth centre. SLPA has completed a zoning plan to utilize the huge amount of existing unutilized land under its jurisdiction on the outcome of the analysis with other sectors of development, such as UDA, BOI, and Tourist Board etc. SLPA has advertised locally and internationally for proposals from potential investors for the Industrial Park and Tourism Zone in the Trincomalee Ocean City.

Port of Oluvil

Under the “Negenahira Navodaya” Programme which was launched to expedite development activities in the region, high priority is given to the development of the Port of Oluvil which is significant to the growth of the Eastern Region of Sri Lanka.

This port will form the South Eastern link in the developing chain of coastal harbours in the country and will provide more convenient and cost effective access to and from the South Eastern region for goods and cargo originating on the west coast.

The proposed project comprises the construction of a commercial harbour and a basin for fishing craft and covers a land area of 60ha in the first stage and 105 ha in the second stage. The harbour basin would cover an area of 16ha of the sea and would spread 1.2km along the coast line.

The acquisition and purchasing of lands for the project is completed. Compensation payments to 806 beneficiaries have already been made.

Permanent Building constructions, such as administration buildings, Fishery Harbour activity buildings etc. are in progress while internal roads and access road constructions are continuing.

Water Supply and Drainage

The expenditure for upgrading the water supply and drainage system in the Trincomalee District is Rs.4 281.10 million with benefits to over 20,000. In Batticaloa District the project costs Rs.9 594.98 million benefiting over 43 000. The expenditure for upgrading the water supply in the Ampara District is Rs.30 123.78 million benefiting more than 30,000.

Wandaramulla Surface Tank

Irrigation Schemes

The project for irrigation schemes developed Raja-Ela (clearing water weeds & purifying), Mavil –Aru Radial Gates, Verugal Anicut Rehabilitatio, Mahaweli Flood Bund Neelapola and Left & Right Bank Bund.

Rehabilitation is also done on Rugam Tank, Batticaloa. The total estimated cost for the task is Rs.340m which was funded by the World Bank. Farmers of Koralaipattu South and Eravurpattu areas will benefit from these projects.

Morawewa cannel was rehabilitated at a cost of Rs.171.0mn. Tank bund work of the Province was done with an allocation of 40.0mn and the Puluganawa Tank Head work was completed at a cost of Rs.291.0m.

The augmentation of Unnichchi Tank is done at a cost of Rs.443m funded by the ADB. It will supply water to approximately 4200 farm families in Eravur and Batticaloa.

Transport

The Government has deployed nearly 60 new busses and built 2 model depots in Trincomalee District at a cost of Rs.8.93 million. 5 route permits were also issued and school services started in the District.

62 new buses were deployed while 2 model depots were built in Batticaloa District at a cost of 50.07 million. Drivers were recruited and the railway station was repaired by the Government. Fourteen rest rooms were also built to facilitate the people.

New Bus stand - Trincomalee Town

57 new buses were deployed while 2 model depots were built in Ampara District at a cost of Rs.9.75 million.

Other

Steps have been taken by the government to establish an industrial estate in 25 acres in Trincomalee at a cost of 125.44mn, which will be used for vocational training activities in the automobile trade, leather trade and scientific dress making.

A weaving centre, a building for clay products and handloom centres were renovated at a cost of 19.47m in Ampara.

Tourism Development

The Eastern Province is endowed with a 420 km coastline world renowned for its wide sandy beaches and warm shallow sea water. Kokilai to Arugambe coastline is famous for its scenic beauty and has long been established for surfing, the world's 13th best surfing location.

Pottuvil offers what has been described as “every surfer's dream of a tropical wave”. Nilaweli is another famous place for water sports enthusiasts and Pasikudah offers wide sandy beaches while Kalkudah is identified as excellent tourist destination.

The Government is developing a Picnic Area in Nilaveli and Pasikuda at a cost of Rs.3 million. A museum has been constructed in Seruwawila at a cost of Rs.8 million and China Bay Airport Terminal is also being constructed at a cost of Rs.1 million.

Metro Development Plan – Trincomalee Special Economic Zone

The Government has planned to make Trincomalee as a Special Economic Zone, under the Metro Development Plan.

Provincial Council-Eastern Province-Head Office

Under this programme the preliminary construction work and structural work of the Outer Circular road of 58km between Alas Garden–Kanniya has been completed.
Construction of a vegetable market complex has also been completed and the market is functioning at present. The total cost spent for that was Rs.133mn.

The construction of a new bus stand has been completed with the assistance of USAID.

The first stage of construction of the new Secretariat Building is also completed at a cost of Rs.68mn.

Development achieved 2010

A sum of 823.00 Million has been spent set apart for 2010 for the development projects for Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee in the Eastern Province. The projects under three components of the Gama Neguma program i.e. Spiritual Development, Livelihood Development and Infrastructure Development have been implemented in the Province to prioritize according to the need of the community.

Accordingly, Rs.340.5mn allocated for Ampara District while Rs.208.5mn and Rs.249mn have been allocated for the districts of Trincomalee and Batticaloa respectively.

Batticaloa District

248 projects to develop the Batticaloa district have been completed as at 31 August 2010.

Under this, 26.02kms of rural roads have been developed by the Gama Neguma program. Total beneficiaries of the components are 173592 and the development of rural roads help to make easy access to the rural villages, reduce the time by 30-40%. It creates more demand for the productions of the villages.

Their earnings have increased by 10% because of the price competition among venders. Further it would improve people’s access to markets and services and the mobilization of labor from remote areas to growing nodes of the Eastern province. It is helping to reduce poverty, and improve life standards.


Trincomalee District

162 projects out of 207 have been completed with the by fulfilling the target to uplift the Trincomalee district. A major portion of the allocation i.e. Rs. 208.80m under Gama Neguma is set apart for infrastructure development. As at end of August 2010, 231 projects have been completed at a cost of Rs. 128.56m.

Furthermore, damaged and vulnerable 32 schools in the Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts have been repaired at a cost of Rs 68.46 million.

Total numbers of agriculture and livestock projects are 355 and 45 irrigation development projects have been implemented under Gama Neguma program. 130000 hectares of abandoned paddy lands have been cultivated during last Yala and Maha sessions. Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts contribute to 23% of the total paddy production of the country in 2008 by providing 900 000 metric tons (Central Bank-2008). Further improvement will be expected in 2009. Main objective of the components is improving life standards of the beneficiaries which is achieving gradually under this projects.

Ampara District

Seventy five projects are in progress in Ampara district to concrete roads, construct and repair bridges, construct irrigation systems. Projects to supply electricity to households and uplift livelihood are also carried out.




 

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