|
|
Current Events
High commissioner of Singapore to Sri lanka H.E Tah Kah Hoe called on Hon.Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services yesterday at his Ministry and Discussed on the Ministry activities on the Resettlement process currently under taken in country
People in remote villages afforded the opportunity to reap the benefits of development under Mahinda Chinthanaya concept – Minister Rishad Bathiudeen
As a result of on-going development work under the Mahinda Chinthanaya concept, people even in remote villages have started reaping the benefits of development, said Minister Rishad Bathiudeen participating recently as the Chief Guest, in a ceremony at Karaitivu to declare open a public hospital built at a cost of Rs.2,500,000/-. This hospital, constructed in the north boundary of Puttalam. was a longstanding need of the area.
Speaking at this ceremony Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said “Puttalam District is a place where people belonging to all ethnic groups live in peace and harmony irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. Most of the people are engaged in agriculture and fishing as their livelihood. This ceremony was organized by Mr.R.N.Asana Marikkar, Chairman, Vanathavillu Pradeshiya Sabha. Anyone traveling through Karaitivu area which is the gateway along Mannar Puttalam road, would see to himself that there are signs of development and prosperity to a great extent in Karaitivu area. The pioneer of this development who gave the vision for this is His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse, for whom we should extend our gratitude. Karaitivu village has a long history. Peoples’ representatives should work hard with commitment to uplift the living standards of the people of this village. The people of this village went to the town spending their meager earnings to the township for purchasing their daily needs. But today with the on- going development of this village, it has been made easy for the people to lead a happy life due to availability of essential facilities in the village.
Minister said “I convey my special thanks to Mr.R.N.Asana Marikkar, Chairman, Vanathavillu Pradeshiya Sabha for his exemplary gesture by generously donating an acre from his own land for the construction the hospital.”
Hon.Neomal Perera, M.P, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources speaking at this occasion said that Sri Lanka being a Buddhist country, people belonging to different communities have been afforded the freedom to observe their religious rights according to their beliefs. Until recent times people were unable to think about traveling to Northern areas. Today His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse has made it possible for the people to live devoid of fear and suspicion. Only the government headed by H.E. the President is capable of saving the country by wiping out terrorism from Sri Lanka. Thousands of people have got displaced as a result of this cruel war. Today we see victims of this war spending their lives as internally displaced people. Minister Rishad Bathiudeen was able to break historical record in Sri Lanka. Within a short period he was able to resettle approximately 200,000 IDPs in the East, which effort has been acclaimed by the international community. It should also be noted that the reason behind the speedy development in this area, was due to the effort of Minister Rishad Bathiudeen. Therefore, we should extend our sincere gratitude to Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, said Hon. Neomal Perera.
180,609 Internally Displaced Persons already resettled
-- Minister Rishad Bathiudeen
Minister Rishad Bathiudeen states that 51,404 families comprising 180,609 persons have already been resettled in the Eastern Province. In Batticaloa District 38,788 families comprising of 128,750 persons and in Trincomalee District 12,616 families comprising of 51,859 persons were resettled.
In Eravur Pattu and in Chenkalady areas 862 families comprising 4,441 persons and in Korale Pattu Kiran 2,025 families comprising 8,046 persons are to be resettled in Batticaloa District. In Muttur Divisional Secretariat area 3,223 families comprising 10,904 persons in Trincomalee District are to be resettled. This includes 1,606 families comprising 5,478 persons presently living in Batticaloa District but belonging to Trincomalee District, who are to be resettled.
Commenting on resettlement, Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, stated that 6,110 families comprising 22,391 persons are to be resettled. This will be done on completion of mine clearance and removal of other improvised explosive devices by the Security forces from the area earmarked for resettlement. In the meantime, Minister expressed that all other preliminary activities with regard to resettlement are underway.
Speaking further, Hon. Minister stated that on completion of resettlement, his Ministry has planned to provide necessary basic facilities to improve the livelihood of the returnees including improvement of infrastructure facilities. He also focused his attention on the necessity to provide security for the returnees.
|
|
|
