Rs. 53 mn for uplift of needy estate workers in Uva

by Ananda Kannangara

The Government last week allocated a massive amount of Rs. 53 million to improve the infrastructure facilities of under privileged persons in the Uva Province plantation sector.

The money was allocated under the Government's Mahinda Chintana program and on a request made by the General Secretary, Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) and Socio Economic Development Minister Arumugam Thondaman.Speaking to Sunday Observer, Minister Thondaman said that all allocations will be utilised to uplift the living standards of plantation sector workers in the Badulla and Moneragala Districts.He said in addition to infrastructure facilities, a certain percentage of the allocation will be utilised to provide free computer education and vocational training for needy children.

"We have also taken a decision to utilise the money to provide educational equipment to planation sector children, start pre-schools for children, wheelchairs for the disabled and career guidance programs for school leavers with the objective of directing them for numerous employment.

The Minister further said he would also give priority to construct houses for needy plantation workers, common latrines and bath rooms for the benefit of people.