Opening A-9 Highway will speed up economic growth - Basil Rajapaksa

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

The A-9 highway which was closed for over a decade due to security reasons was opened for public transportation this week under the supervision of security personnel.

The A-9 Road that links the Jaffna peninsula to the rest of the country is a vital transportation route that enhances business activities and enriches the country’s economy.

Transportation of goods on the A-9 road resumed recently following the military defeat of the LTTE which had used it as a strategic point for military offensives.

Senior Presidential Advisor and Minister of Nation Building Basil Rajapaksa said the battle victory enabling the opening of the road will help accelerate development in the Northern province and bring about vast economic benefits to the country.

“People were deprived of a fundamental right to move freely and develop their livelihood for over three decades by a ruthless terrorist outfit which tried to obstruct development in the country but failed. The Government has cleared all obstacles and has paved the way for growth”, Rajapaksa said.

Five buses with 225 passengers plied on the A-9 road from Jaffna to Colombo for the first time on Wednesday opening all vistas for growth and prosperity in the country.Around 50 reconditioned buses commenced transportation in the Jaffna peninsula and plans are afoot to use more buses to enhance the transportation in the province.

Ministry sources said due to the opening of the road, prices of commodities have been reduced significantly and people are confident that there will be more business activities in the future.

The North which is rich in agriculture, fisheries and palmyrah industries could contribute more to the food production in the country. Chillies, onions, potatoes, grapes, oranges, fish and palmyrah based products from Jaffna have been cherished by southerners for generations.