Prime Minister reveals development plans for North and East

Prime Minister and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe with candidate in north Vijayakala Maheswaran at the election campaign meeting at Sangilyan park Nallur on Friday - Pix by N Parameswaran

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said a special program will be implemented to develop the North and East, focusing on the development of both the agriculture and industry sectors.

Addressing an election rally of the United National Front (UNF) in Vavuniya on Friday, the Prime Minister said that the Trincomalee Harbour would be developed to add a special contribution to the national economy. The aim was to develop Trincomalee to match Singapore, the PM added.

To resolve the housing problem in Vavuniya, 13,000 houses will be constructed and handed over to the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities. To create more employment opportunities in the East, a coal-powered power station will be established in Sampur.

The Prime Minister also said that the guaranteed price for paddy would be maintained continuously.

Addressing a public meeting in Nallur Jaffna, the Prime Minister said steps would also be taken to uplift technical education in Jaffna. An Information Technology Zone will also be set up in the area.

He said the Cement Corporation factory in Kankasanthurai and the Paranthan Chemical factory will also be revived to provide more employment opportunities. The industries existing in the Northern Province at present will be further developed.

Appropriate measures will also be taken to resolve the burning issue of drinking water shortage in the region, he said.

The Prime Minister further said that he Mannar District would be developed as a tourist zone.

Speaking of the issues the Tamil people were facing, the Prime Minister said the troops were being stationed only at essential locations and the resettlement of displaced persons would be carried out in other areas. He added that a humane policy would be implemented regarding those who were imprisoned.

Addressing a UNP rally in Mullaitivu, the Prime Minister said he wanted to set up a new Parliament in order to create a new country. All communities, including Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims, would be active members of the new Government that is to be formed soon after the election. He said that he was committed to enhancing the rapport among all communities.