Rs. 500 million for Eastern livelihood development

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

The Government has allocated Rs. 500 million for livelihood-based development activities in the Eastern Province, Deputy Minister of Nation Building and Development Susantha Punchinilame said yesterday.

Deputy Minister Punchinilame is currently in Trincomalee to steer several development programmes in the Eastern Province to benefit those resettling and living in the region.

Referring to the funds allocated by the Government, Punchinilame said that Rs. 500 million allocated this year was the biggest amount ever allocated for Grama Seva Divisions.

The money will be used to organise livestock development and farming in several selected regions, said the Minister.

“The monies will be distributed to each Grama Seva Division through the Province’s Development Committee,” he said.

Each Grama Division will get Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 300,000 under the programme, he said.

Punchinilame said that it was important to employ those who resettle in the East with their usual jobs. The Nation Development Ministry has taken several successful steps in this regard.

“People are willing to resettle in the East now. We are providing them with the necessary infrastructure, houses, roads, jobs and safety,” he added.