More production villages under Uthuru Vasanthaya

Another 15 production villages will be established under the Uthuru Vasanthaya Programe before year 2010, Rural Industries and Self-Employment Promotion ministry sources said.

According to ministry sources, under the production villages' project, 320 villages have been developed at a cost of Rs. 475 million.

The aim of this project is to uplift livelihoods in rural areas and to develop rural industries as well as the handicraft industry.

Two hundred and fifteen production villages out of 320 have been vested in the people. Another 36 villages have completed and is expected to be vested in the public shortly. Under this project 17,410 people are to benefit.

Meanwhile, Rs. 3500 million has been allocated for projects in the Vavuniya district under the Uthuru Wasanthaya the 180-day Accelerated Development Programe. The projects are being launched on the instructions of the President and the guidance of Chief of the Uthuru Wasanthaya Task Force and Senior Presidential Advisor and Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa. Infrastructure of villages in which the civilians are being resettled will be developed through these projects.

A special discussion on this work was held at the Vavuniya District Secretariat. It was chaired by Minister Risath Bathiyudeen. Northern Governor G.A. Chandrasiri and many senior officials were present.