Projects worth Rs. 2 billion to develop N/E

by L. S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

The infrastructure and livelihood development projects to rehabilitate regions liberated from the grip of LTTE terrorists are implemented in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Mullaitivu, said Secretary to the Nation Building and Plantations Sector Infrastructure Development Ministry, W. K. K. Kumarasiri. The projects are estimated to cost over Rs. 1,952 million

He said that under the Gama Neguma program three components - spiritual, livelihood and infrastructure development projects were implemented in those districts.

The funds allocated on the recommendations of the Divisional Secretaries and the District Secretaries for the projects are prioritised according to the needs of the community, he said.

He said that spiritual development programs are implemented in collaboration with the private sector, local and international NGOs and community based organisations with special emphasis on women, youth and children who had been subjected to various harassments in society.

He said upto the end of August last year 6,775 infrastructure and livelihood development projects were in progress in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts with Rs. 1,618 million allocated for the projects, he said.

There were 1,086 Gramaseva divisions in 45 Divisional Secretariat Divisions under Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Mullaitivu districts.

Around 5,301 livelihood projects in fisheries, agriculture, home gardens, animal husbandry, rural industries are implemented in the Eastern Province, he said.