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Over 70 percent ex-combatants rehabilitated
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa Friday( March 11), said that over 70 percent of former combatants were rehabilitated and integrated to society and the rest is being rehabilitated by the Government.
Minister Rajapaksa noted that former combatants who were attached to a terrorist organization of this magnitude are being held by many countries for more than 10 years, but the Government has succeeded in rehabilitating over 70 per cent cadres within one and half years. Minister Rajapaksa was speaking at the inauguration of Cash for Work program at Urthipuram North in the Killinochchi district.
This program is launched by the Economic Development Ministry to uplift the living standards of the people in the Killinochchi district and improve their agricultural productivity.
The Urthipuram tank is to be renovated under this project with the community participation and the Government has allocated Rs. 4.8 million for the project.
Minister Rajapaksa cut the first sod to commence the renovation of the tank. He also participated in the harvesting of the Urthipuram paddy field.
A distribution of tractors among the Agrarian services centres in the district was also held under the patronage of Minister Rajapaksa.
Minister Rajapaksa added that certain elements living overseas are engaged in various activities which are detrimental to the Tamil people and the country.
Minister Rajapaksa was of the view that all should show more commitment to ensure that another conflict would not arise in the country again.
The Minister requested the public not be misled by the rumours being spread by the elements with vested interests.
He commended the services of Traditional Industries and Small Industries Development Minister Douglous Devananda who did not leave the people represented by him during the time of conflict.
Minister Rajapaksa added that 60,000 acres of land in the Killinochchi district have been brought under plough this year. He added that the Government provided many facilities to these farmers during the course of last year. The Minister noted that the farmers in the district received numerous assistance from the Government to revive agricultural activities after a lapse of over two decades.
He said the Government provided farmers in the Northern region all sorts of assistance ranging from provision of high quality seeds to clearing of irrigational canals in the province.
He stated that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has given them special directives to provide all facilities to the people in the Killinochchi, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts who have undergone a number of difficulties and hardships during the time of conflict.
The Minister added that the Government is in the process of upgrading infrastructure facilities in the Killinochchi district and the Northern Province at large.
He added that the reconstruction of the Mullaitivu - Point Pedro road and many other main roads in the province would commence soon.
Traditional Industries and Small Industries Development Minister Douglous Devananda and Northern Province Governor Major General G A Chandrasiri were present.
Courtesy: Daily News