Over 2000 to be resettled in second phase

by Dhaneshi YATAWARA

The second phase of the resettlement programme in Mannar will be launched on Tuesday in seven Grama Niladhari divisions in the Musali Divisional Secretariat (DS) Division.

Under the programme 2,120 people belonging to 561 families will be resettled, Ministry of Resettlement officials said.

"All the infrastructure facilities and the basic necessities are completed in these areas and we will be giving all the support for these people to start their livelihood activities after getting resettled," Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishad Bathiudeen stated.

The majority of the people are fishermen hence necessary equipment including boats, fishing nets etc. will be provided to the people through the District Secretariat office, Minister Bathiudeen added.

Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa (MP), Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and the Mannar District Secretary along with other relevant Government officials will be participating at the launching ceremony held in Mannar. Maradamadu, Poonochchikulam, Pandaraweli, Koolankulam, Sinnapulachchikutkerni, Arippu West and Aruppu East are the seven Grama Niladhari Divisions. People will be provided with dry rations adequate for two weeks in the initial stage.

Access roads, water supply systems and wells are repaired and reconstructed and are ready for usage, Ministry officials stated further.

In the first phase of resettlement programme, which started on April 30, 409 members of 122 families in Saweriyarpuram in the Musali DS Division were resettled.