Sunday Oct 06, 2024
Sunday Oct 06, 2024
Saturday, 5 April 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The financial allocations were provided by the Ministry of Resettlement for this worthy cause. Labour and the civil engineering expertise had been provided by troops serving under the Security Forces Headquarters Mullaitivu (SFHQ-MLT).
Along with the project each family receives a land plot of 40 perches with a complete house. So far, the Government has successfully facilitated the resettlement for over 95% IDPs allowing to them to be settled on their original lands.
Meanwhile, Rajapaksa also laid the foundation stone for the third phase of project which will be launched soon. According to the Sri Lanka Army sources, 66 houses will be constructed in the third phase and those will be vested on public in near future.
Speaking at the event Secretary Defence stated: “Since the dawn of peace, the President’s intention was to resettle displaced personnel with immediate effect. Accordingly, majority of them were resettled in their own land premises successfully,” He added.
He added: “In the mean time, owing to some unavoidable circumstances, some were resettled in model villages similar to Keppapilavu. The Government has initiated various programs to uplift the living standard of the people in former war theatre.”
Emphasising the duty of the Government Agents in area he said: “Officials must expedite the ongoing projects and should facilitate the people by paying attention into their issues.”
Elaborating on the necessity of existence of adequate military establishments in the north and east, Rajapaksa said: “Terrorism would be reorganised and reactivated if ignored. The mutual relationship and understanding between the military and the civil society should be strengthened by diminishing the language barrier.”
The Secretary Defence reiterated: “In accordance with the visionary measures initiated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Tamil language speaking proficiency of the armed service personnel would be enhanced targeting a good service to the Tamil community. Their economy will be upgraded by enhancing career opportunities and allowing more room to buy their products in the market such as row vegetables and Fishing harvest.
“The People’s faith in the Government and the armed forces is vital in view of the fact that they brought everlasting peace to the country. Irrespective of race and religion we all must unify under a one flag,” he added.
In his concluding remarks Rajapaksa thanked the citizens for their presence at the event and also thanked SL Army for the social initiatives being carried out. During the session, certificates of the released 98 acre paddy lands which have been dedicated for cultivation were also distributed among 29 farmers. Prior to departure Rajapaksa also exchanged views with the villagers and beneficiaries during the event.
Subsequently, Secretary Defence also discussed ongoing development projects and plans in the area along with prevailing issues, with a high ranking military panel.
A large number of villagers and families of beneficiaries were present at the event.
