Eastern growth fast tracked

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

COLOMBO: Development and civil administration plans in the East will be accelerated to fit within an envisaged 180 days, the Government announced yesterday.

This six-month programme will be undertaken through the Neganahira Navodaya (Eastern Reawakening) programme, Public Administration Minister Karu Jayasuriya declared.

The entire Eastern Province, an area of 9,635 square kilometres is now under Government control, with last week's capture of former Tiger stronghold Thoppigala. Jayasuriya said the Government would seek foreign assistance to rebuild the East. "We appeal to donors and I have reason to believe that help will be forthcoming," he told reporters.

He said a national ceremony will be held to mark the liberation of the East, honouring the Security Forces, on Thursday.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, will address the Nation. Jayasuriya said that the whole country has a responsibility to honour the Forces without religious, political or other differences.

He requested all Lankans to hoist the National Flag at every house and business establishment to mark this victory. "Nearly 16 per cent of the population in the country are in the East which has a lot of natural resources.

The Government will restore livelihoods of the Eastern people." Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said the Government will ensure the settlement of displaced families immediately and uplift their living standards.

Responsibilities have been given to all ministers to look after each area.