Facelift for Batticaloa

by P. Krishnaswamy

Many major changes have come about in the Batticaloa district under the development programs launched in reaping with the 'Mahinda Chintana' , GA Ms. P.S.M. Charles, told the Sunday Observer.

Water which remained a major problem, is being successfully addressed and around 40 percent of people receive pipe-borne water. Many projects are being implemented to provide water to the remaining families, she said.

Road development and construction work on new roads has been completed to a great extent while work is under way to improve and expand the road network, she said.

Seventy-five percent of electrification, including rural areas, has been completed. Rehabilitation of irrigation tanks has been completed to a great extent, she said.

The standard of education, the facilities and the number of students attending universities, agricultural institutions and technical colleges has improved sharply. Rs. 2,500 million was allocated this year to local government bodies, Rs. 120 million for Pradeshiya Sabhas and Rs.1,200 million for water supply, she said.