http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Jaffna_blossoms_Major_infrastructure_development_projects_declared_open_20130213_03

Jaffna blossoms: Major infrastructure development projects open for public use

President reviews Jaffna development

Secretary Defence accompanies President

Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa accompanied H E the President during his two day visit to Jaffna. The President is in the peninsula to review the development of the region.

A number of large scale infrastructure development projects were declared open by the President during his visit.

Meanwhile Secretary Defence made sudden visits to several locations in the Jaffna town with a view of seeking avenues for further improvement and development of the city.

On his visit to the 512 Brigade Secretary Defence declared open a new building complex. He also looked into the welfare measures and the living conditions of the troops.

Chunnakam Power Project

In order to streamline and ensure the continuous supply of electricity to the peninsula a new power plant was commissioned by H E the President at Chunnakam in Jaffna on 12th February. Work on the 'Uthuru Jananee' thermal Power Plant began in April last year.

The Rs. 3.5 billion project was completed within 8 months. The 24 MW heavy fuel thermal power plant is a sole local investment by Lanka Electric Company (LECO) and is owned by the CEB. Around 121,000 families will receive electricity round the clock from this power plant where three turbines, each having the capacity of producing eight MW of power will generate enough power to fulfill the electricity requirement of the Jaffna populace. The annual expected saving of the project is around Rs. 1350 million.

Minister of Power & Energy, state officials and a large gathering were present at the event.

Special District Development Meeting

Chairing a special District Development Council meeting in Jaffna H E the President reviewed the progress of the various development activities currently underway in the region and discussed about future development plans.

Secretary Defence also attended the meeting.

Addressing the gathering the President said that he said was well aware of the misery faced by the people due to terrorism in the past. Speaking in Tamil, the President said that the contentment of the people is his happiness. He said that the much work is being done to facilitate a better life for the people.

The President revealed that the Northern railway, destroyed by terrorist activity will be reconstructed up to Kankesanthurai by March next year. He further stressed the importance of developing the rural areas in the district that would ensure the dividends of peace reach the under privileged areas as well.

State officials were directed to expedite work on the development project and were also asked to discharge their duties with more diligence and efficiency.

Following an appeal from the mothers of two Jaffna University students the President instructed the Police to make arrangements for the release of the students.

At the end of the meeting, president responded to questions raised by those present with matters regarding regional development activities.

Ministers, the Governor of the Northern province, local body members, ministry secretaries, tri forces commanders, senior military and state officials were present at the conference.

New Jetty at Nainathivu

Later in the evening H E the president declared opened the new jetty built adjacent the Nagadeepa temple for public. Secretary Defence and the Commander of the Navy were also present at the event. The jetty was a long felt need of the pilgrims, devotees and general public visiting the islet for religious and other requirements.

The President also visited the famed Nainathivu Nagapoosani Amman Hindu Kovil and paid homage to seek the blessings of the incumbent deity.

During the visit the President also visited the New Civil Passenger Terminal at the Palaly Airport.

New facilities for Jaffna Teaching Hospital

A number of new facilities built at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital will be ceremonially inaugurated by the President today ( February 13).

A new Operation Theater Complex, Central Supply & Sterilizing Department (CSSD), Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Central Laboratory Complex, and Central Facilities for Diagnostic Imaging, procure and installation of necessary medical equipment are included in the new five story building. The project was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Declare opening of the Power Plant
Progress review at the District Development Council meeting
Visit to Nagadeepa and Nainathivu places of religious worship
Secretary Defence visiting security forces facilities