'Govt developing N-E'

he government is now implementing a number of development programmes in the North and the East. People can prosper under these programmes and reverse the destruction caused by the three decade conflict, Technology and Research Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

She expressed these views participating in a ceremony organized by the Sri Lanka Samurdhi Authority to provide goods to people in Jaffna, Wadukkodai recently. The programme was organized to enhance the living standard of the people in this area. Thirty years ago the North had a self sufficient economy when compared with other parts of the country. This was destroyed by terrorist activities. Under the direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa the government is dedicated to rebuild these areas, she said. "Now people can see a number of development programmes being implemented in these areas.

'The government will take action to accelerate these projects in the near future,' she said.

'Instead of implementing development programmes in these areas, certain political parties are critical about such endeavours to develop the North.

Local councils can make a major contribution in developing these rural areas. People should appoint good and active members to local councils to make a success of these development programmes,' she added.