Indian Delegation visits Northern Province

Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, leader of the opposition of Indian Parliament together with Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development visited Northern Province today to observe the facilities provided by the Government for resettled people and to observe the development activities in the Northern region.

Minister and Indian representatives first visited Puliyankulam North village. Government has taken action to resettle the people who became homeless due to the war in this area. Minister and Indian representatives inspected the houses provided for displaced persons due to the war. At this occasion, the villagers said that they underwent various difficulties during the last phase of the internal conflict and presently they possess higher living conditions under the facilities provided by the Government. One villager expressing his views explained that his child was abducted by the LTTE and used for military activities.

Indian representatives and the Minister observed the Puthur Kuttma Dukulam tank. Ministry of Economic Development has restored this tank by spending Rs 4.6 Million. The resettled people in Puliyankulama Northern region engage in agriculture by using the water of this tank.

During this observation tour, Minister Rajapaksa and the Indian Representatives opened first Divi Neguma Training Centre in Kanagarayan. Action will be taken to provide training for persons in the locality on agriculture, animal husbandry and seed production at this training center.

At this occasion, Indian representatives expressed their gratitude for the facilities provided by the Government for resettled people. They also expressed their gratitude to the Government of Sri Lanka not only for providing houses for resettled people but also for action taken for livelihood development. Indian representatives further said that they were able to see the development activities provided by the Government for the people and they are delighted over the progress.

Rishard Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce and several government officials were present at this occasion.