Public administration in B'caloa strengthened

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Public Administration Ministry last week opened four new building complexes in the Batticaloa district to provide a better administration system for over 600,000 people in the area.

The Ministry opened a new Divisional Secretariat at Vakarai, two 20-roomed circuit bungalows and four staff officer quarters in Batticaloa at a cost of Rs. 97 million. A part of the funds came from the Qatar Government to construct tsunami-affected State buildings.

The Ministry also opened a new conference hall for the use of 345 Grama Niladhari Divisions and Divisional Secretariats in the district.

Public Administration Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne told the Sunday Observer that a large number of State buildings in Batticaloa has not been used for nearly 30 years due to the conflict.

"Now the situation has returned to normal and the Government's main objective is to construct new buildings as well as renovate old buildings," he said.

He said priority will also be given to reconstruct the road network in the Batticaloa district, to provide water to houses and buildings, renovate tanks and strengthen the irrigation system with the help of the Ministry of Irrigation.

Minister Seneviratne also focused attention on the development of schools and hospitals with the assistance of the respective Ministries.