Major development in Northern Province - Governor Chandrasiri
"Resettlement has been major challenge for any country which faced
armed conflict. Sri Lanka is no exception to this situation. But Sri
Lanka has implemented the Resettlement Program in a more successful
manner compared to other countries", said Governor of Northern Province
GA Chandrasiri and reiterated the Government's dedicated commitment
towards resettlement and reconciliation. Government of Sri Lanka has
spent large amount of funds for a rapid and massive development in
Northern Province as soon as the war came to an end in 2009. It was done
under the directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and guidance of
Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa.
GA Chandrasiri says that the process of resettling the displaced from
Mannar to Nandikadal has been concluded successfully, following the
elimination of terrorism. A massive development has taken place in the
Northern Province under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program. The buildings and
roads destroyed by the war have been successfully reconstructed.
Reconciliation in language, religion and cultural activities have become
significant achievement to the Government of Sri Lanka.
Reconciliation in languages, religion and equal opportunities has
brought conflicting minds together and created a one nation concept even
among extremist elements.
Participating in a discussion of the National Radio, he said that the
government has focused special attention to strengthen the livelihood of
the displaced civilians after resettling them in their original villages
the Jaffna high security zone has been removed. Currently, only two high
security areas remain. The lands will be handed over to the original
residents following the withdrawal of the high security areas. Major
General Chandrasiri commenting on a statement made by Opposition Leader
Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding land rights in the North at Walikamam
Jaffna recently said that the Central Government and the Northern
Provincial Council have taken necessary measures to give the land rights
to the people concerned. The Ministry of Economic development has also
implemented a special program to enhance the living standards of the
resettled communities.
The implementation of the national human rights plan is being carried
out in parallel to the implementation of the recommendations of the
commission report on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation.
Sri Lanka has successfully embarked on development after the
elimination of terrorism. A resettlement of the displaced, the removal
of landmine and the rehabilitation of surrendered LTTE cadres. The Tiger
friendly Tamil Diaspora and Channel 4 on numerous occasions had
attempted to discredit Sri Lanka.
He also says that the correct foreign policy of the country would
become invaluable to seek the assistance of member countries of the
Human Rights Council. He adds that the statement made by Japan to
continuously extend aid is another victory achieved by the country.
In the meantime, the Japanese Government has submitted a report to UN
Human Rights Council, praising the efforts taken by Sri Lankan
Government to improve the Human Rights record in recent past.
The report also mentioned about the Sri Lankan Government's honest
contribution to establish peace in the world.
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