$ 1,000m to be spent on major development projects

by Ananda Kannangara

The Ministry of Plan Implementation on Friday gave a firm assurance that all major development projects launched under the 'Mahinda Chinthanaya' will be completed by spending US $ 1,000 million, within the next three years.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, outgoing Secretary, Ministry of Plan Implementation Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that the Government had already received US $ 350 million from foreign donors including the Millennium Challenge Fund (MCF), to start key development projects.

"The balance US dollars 650 million will be received by the Government shortly," he said.

Responding to a question on the security situation in the country, Cabraal said the Government's top priority will be the elimination of terrorism and bring the most vital power sector into a strong position, so that these two sectors can make a solid contribution to the country's economy. He said the Government has already started the Upper Kotmale power project and also a feasibility report of the Norochcholai power project has also been finalised.

"We have also started the Colombo- Katunayaka expressway and the Matara- Kataragama highway," he said. He said construction on the Puttalam- Trincomalee road, Hambantota Port, Galle Harbour and the Weeravila International Airport will commence shortly.

"We have not forgotten the schoolchildren in the country and all of them will be provided with free meals as promised," he added.