Mega development projects launched in three districts

by Naalir Jamaldeen

Massive development projects have been launched in Puttalam, Kegalle and Kurunegala districts at a cost of Rs 45,000 million under the Deyata Kirula 2014, exhibition Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister and Deyata Kirula Exhibition Committee Chairman Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told the Sunday Observer.

Over Rs. 15,000 million have been allocated to each district to implement the development projects.

The development program, includes carpeting roads and providing water and electricity, renovating hospitals and improving other health institutions, he said.

On the direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Deyata Kirula exhibition is organised annually to help the people stand on their feet with a sense of pride and confidence, Minister Siyambalapitiya said.

As the Government has decided to hold the exhibition in permanent buildings, it needs 160,000 square feet of space. Over 100,000 square feet of space can be found in the Wayamba University, Kuliyapitiya Technical College and Central College. The Navy is engaged in construction work. The exhibition site will be developed at a cost of over Rs. 1,000 million.

"Irrigation projects have been launched at a cost of Rs. 3,000 million in each district while the road development projects have cost Rs. 5,000 million. Comparatively the allocation for road development is high", Minister Siyambalapitiya said.

"Each Ministry has launched at least a single project in each district. My Ministry will provide e-Libraries to 100 schools in each district. Even small schools will be provided 10 computers and a computer room", he said.

The Minister said that a large computer assembly plant has been set up in Hambantota. An e-park will also be constructed in Hambantota soon. President Rajapaksa has allocated Rs. 1,700 million in Budget 2014 to set up small e-parks across the country, the Minister said. "The Government will also use of Deyata Kirula exhibition to provide information technology to rural schools. We hope to improve the information technology skills for 75 percent schools by 2016.