President keen on the development of Delft

Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Douglas Devananda at a discussion held at the Delft Divisional Secretariat on June 21 said that the President was very much concerned about the development of the administrative area of the Delft Pradeshiya Sabha, as 85% of the total votes cast was in his favour at the last Presidential election, establishing his victory. Accordingly, allocations for projects in the area to solve the problems concerning basic necessities like; transport, drinking water, health and electricity had been provided with, and work on many projects had been now completed whilst some were to be commenced shortly. However, within a short spell of 4 months work on all the projects would be finalised, said the Minister.

Before this public rally, the Minister inaugurated work on a few projects earmarked to be completed within a period of 4 months. A sum of Rs. 40 million has been allocated for 42 projects aimed to develop, infrastructure facilities in the islet. The Minister participated at the inaugural ceremonies held for the playground at Wattaikadu to be completed at a cost of Rs. 7.5 million, Community centre at Thungawei, Pre-school at Tharvumanthai Thandai and Drinking Water scheme from dug wells at Sarappitiya.

The Minister said that the biggest problem the islanders face is transport and it had been planned to operate another modern craft at a cost of Rs. 40 million in addition to "Northern Star" and Kumudini crafts presently in service. Infrastructure facilities, such as Road development, Drinking water and Electricity supply would be attended to within the next 4 months, assured the Minister.

He also said that for creating more employment opportunities, plans were afoot to build a luxury hotel with helipad facility, a farm and a central market for sale of goods produced in the area.