A NEW chapter in the government initiated “Uthuru Wasanthaya” (Resurrection of North) programme, designed to re-develop the entire northern province was opened Thursday (30) morning when one hundred and twenty-two displaced families (four hundred and nine civilians), returned to their renovated original houses for resettlement after the entire Mannar was brought to normalcy, cleared of LTTE terrorism.
The brainchild behind “Uthuru Wasanthaya” Presidential Advisor, Hon. Basil Rajapaksa (MP) with a ministerial delegation, including Hon. Douglas Devananda, Hon Karuna Amman and eastern chief minister Pillaiyan handed over those government-built or fully renovated new houses, equipped with new furniture, sanitary requirements, dry rations and food stocks to those families who were full of smiles and gratitude.
Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni received the entourage on arrival at Thallady, Mannar Area Headquarters. The visiting team as the first item on the itinerary inspected ongoing progress of the Mannar causeway work and the new bridge, now under construction, connecting the mainland. The bridge is built with the support of Japan-based JAICA organization.
The second leg of the tour saw renovation and repairs being done by the World Bank funds on Yodha Wewa (Giant Tank) which remained used by LTTE terrorists for a long time, depriving water to farmers for cultivations before the area was cleared.
The next stop was to declare open the newly-constructed Divisional Secretariat (DS) office complex at Silavathurai. The former building complex was used and subsequently destroyed by terrorists who took shelter inside when the troops were capturing the area.
The newly re-settled four hundred and nine civilians in Savariyapuram, Silavathurai area after receipt of keys to their new houses were surprised and overjoyed to get several new fishing trawlers as free gifts from the government, enabling them to re-commence their livelihood. Several other gift parcels of valuable items offered by respective ministries were also given away by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa on the occasion to those households.
On their way back, the visiting ministerial team met Major General G.A Chandrasiri, Competent Authority for Relief Services and visited the Manic Farm centre for Internally Displaced Persons. Later on, separate discussions were held to upgrade their welfare and health requirements and related measures at a special meeting, headed by Major General G.A Chandrasiri. (Photo Courtesy : ITN Television)
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