7/25/2007

Sri Lanka government has taken prompt initiatives to transcend the freedom it had granted to the people in the Eastern province from terrorism to a much meaningful economic and a political freedom.

As the first step towards the achievement of its goal, the government had embarked on a 180 day accelerated development programme named "Reawakening of the East" which is aimed to accomplishing the necessary groundwork. The government has already allocated Rupees 6.5billion to the initial stage of the colossal development programme designed for the Eastern Province. Government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday (July 24) revealed the above facts to the media at the weekly media briefing held at the media Center for National Security (MCNS), Colombo. He further stated government is taking steps to establish civil administration in the Eastern Province as early as possible and conduct the Provincial elections.

Meanwhile, on the same media briefing Senior DIG Jayantha Wickramaratne revealed that four new police stations have been opened at Vavuniativu, Vakarai Kokkadicholai and Ayiththiyamalai areas. These areas had been under terror clutches for almost 14 years until the security forces liberated them recently. Senior DIG also told that 10 more police stations are scheduled to be established in the near future to restore law and order in the East.

In addition to the steps being taken to enhance public security, the government has also taken steps to increase the public welfare facilities in the province. Nilaveli General Hospital and administrative complex at Trincomalee, constructed at a cost of Rs.200 million, was launched recently, as a further step in the national rehabilitation programme initiated by the government. The hospital was constructed under the 'Jathika Saviya - Gama Neguma' programme initiated by the president and under the sponsorship of several NGOs.

The government also signed an agreement with Japan to enhance Japanese assistance to mine clearing operations in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Under an agreement finalised on Friday (July 20), Japan would provide US$ 3.2 million (approximately Rs. 358 million) to five INGOs (International Non Governmental Organizations) to step up mine clearing operations. This funding is in addition to more than US$ 12 million (approximately Rs. 1342 million) provided earlier for the same purpose. The government expects this step would boost its resettlement programme in the East. The resettlement is subject to UNHCR approval after the SLA and de-mining groups clear a particular area