Immense benefits for East

by our Political correspondent

Minister of Export Development and International Trade and Acting Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Prof. G.L. Peiris assured that the people of the Eastern Province could now look forward to an unprecedented increase in the efficiency of services provided for them and this would bring about a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Professor G.L. Peiris opened a Central post office in Akkaraipattu town last week and this is one of the prime Government buildings to be set up since the region was liberated completely from the clutches of the LTTE two years ago. Professor Peiris in his address said:

“The defeat of terrorism and the restoration of stability and tranquillity in the area after two decades enables a revival of the economy, with immense benefits accruing to the people of the region.”

Prof. Peiris paying a tribute to A.L.M. Athaulla, Minister for Water Management, referred to the dramatic development which had taken place in the Akkaraipattu area.“Hundreds of thousands of acres are now being opened up for cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers and foliage, for which there are ready markets in Singapore, Dubai and the Maldives. The northern waters, rich in fisheries resources, could not be exploited for a long period because of terrorism. The potential for development of tourism along the eastern beaches is immense. The revival of industrial activity, with a particular focus on the small and medium sector, is already showing promise.

The private sector, exemplified by initiatives taken by companies such as Brandix, Hayleys and Tri-Star Garments, is responding magnificently to generate employment.

“In these circumstances the Government is implementing a timely programme which addresses the development of infrastructure, in the form of roads, irrigation systems and electricity, as well as the streamlining and modernization and services. Chief among these are health, education and communications. “Comparable with the well-equipped buildings which have come up in Akkaraipattu such as the Town Hall and the Water Supply buildings, a modern postal complex is now available to the people of Akkraipattu. These facilities will administer a welcome stimulus to commerce and entrepreneurship in the area,” he continued.

In Ampara Prof. Peiris opened the decentralized office for the distribution of documents throughout the Eastern Province. This function had been attended to previously from the head office in Narahenpita.

The decentralization of these functions will result in a better and more efficient service, delivered with greater rapidity at a lesser cost, he observed.