Under President's leadership and guidance :

Development accelerated in North East villages

by Brahmashri Ramachandra Kurukkal Babu Sharma

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken a keen interest in developing the Northern and Eastern provinces.

The accelerated development in the provinces was clearly evident and the President was very much impressed with the achievements.

He stressed the significance of the development at rural level so that the livelihood of the Tamil people may be improved.

It was observed at the Jaffna District Development Committee meeting that the President had shown immense interest in the development of the North and the East; and the restoration and improvement of the livelihood of the people. During the meeting he emphasised the importance of the construction of buildings for schools. He also ordered the officials to give priority to rural areas.

It was at the meeting that he ordered the officials to immediately release the university students who had been arrested, to the delight and relief of their parents.

Education alone is not sufficient, a good character and moral values are equally essential. The role played by the education officers is crucial the President said.

Before the tour of the North, the President visited the South Eastern University in Oluvil where he underscored the value of education and the need for students' skills to reach international standards. He also stressed the importance of English. The President elaborated on the national plan to improve English, which has been introduced recently and implemented. The trilingual policy introduced by the government will go a long way in achieving national reconciliation, the President said.

The President also visited Hindu kovils during his Jaffna tour and paid homage. He received blessings at the Nainathivu Sri Nagapoosani Amman Kovil where he was welcomed by the Trustee of the Kovil. Amidst the throbbing of drums the trustee honoured the President by draping him in a silky shawl. The President was accompanied by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Minister Douglas Devananda and Governor of the Northern Province G.A. Chandrasiri.

The President declared open the new building of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital built with Japanese aid. He also paid homage at the Vairavar Kovil in the hospital premises.

The writer is the coordinator to the President for Hindu Religious Affairs.