WB undertakes local projects worth US$ 900
The World Bank, in addition to development projects already scheduled until the year 2012, will undertake a series of development activities in Sri Lanka including in the North and East, Country Director, Naoko Ishill said.The World Bank has allocated US$ 900 million for the implementation of these projects.
She said these projects will cover a series of development activities covering areas such as dam safety and water resource planning, integrated community development, national and provincial road development, irrigation, maintenance and water resource management, general education and health sector development.
She emphasized the importance of developing the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka as it has become the major source of livelihood of many Sri Lankans, especially in areas where the World Bank has initiated several development activities.
Price of Milk Power to come down next month- Trade Minister
The prices of milk power will be reduced from the 15th of December this year following a decision reached at a discussion held between the Minister of Trade, Marketing Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, Bandula Gunawardena and milk powder importers.Minister Gunawardena noted that although the tax imposed on milk has been increased in this year’s budget it is not necessary for companies to increase the prices of milk power as prices have come down in the international market.
He said that the benefit of price reduction in the international market should be directly passed to the local consumers.
The Minister granted approval for the companies to sell available stocks of milk at the current price, as they informed Minister that these were imported at a higher rate.
The new price revision will be announced on the 15th of December, Minister Gunawardena added.
Commander wants essentials dispatched in streamlined convoys
Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, Commander of the Army during his routine visit to the Wanni Security Forces Headquarters today (13) morning, instructed Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni (SFHQ-W), to explore possibilities of dispatch of essentials into un-cleared areas in single lined-up convoys, once or twice a week, instead of regular fleets of vehicles throughout the week in consultation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) officials.
The directive in this regard came subsequent upon ICRC officials’ reluctance to man the Omanthai Entry/Exit point as usual after the SFHQ-W decided to keep the Omanthai opening hours only between 9.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. from Wednesday (12) onwards, in view of several concerns and intensification of humanitarian operations, progressing away further north to the gateway.
The visiting Commander further advised his Wanni Commander Major General Jayasuriya to seek the valuable services of the ICRC escort for those lined-up food convoys to be taken in one fleet. Although the ICRC has not so far showed up for manning at the gateway, its ambulances and other vehicles executed their emergency medical services across the point in the past 48 hours, the Commander was told.
Lieutenant General Fonseka during the same meeting inquired about the ground realities as the heat on Wanni Tigers intensifies with the fall of their Kilinochchi bastions in a string, one by one.
Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, was further curious to know the plight of besieged civilians in LTTE held areas, particularly after Tuesday (11) evening’s capture of an English lady teacher among fighting Tigers and also startling revelations made thereupon by her. He told his ground Commanders that all possible steps should also be taken to capture Tiger terrorists alive if any, who would really signal desperately in the battlefields.
Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka with his entourage was met by Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters - Wanni on arrival. Major General Jayasuriya at the beginning of the meeting gave a comprehensive update of the developments to the visiting Army Chief.
Commander upon receipt of updates from Divisional and Brigade Commanders who were present at the meeting discussed matters pertaining to ongoing operations and the progress made in their respective fronts and march towards Pooneryn.
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Development in Ratnapura to get a boost
Major steps have been taken to develop the Ratnapura electorate, including the development of facilities in major towns as well as small towns, the Minister of Highways and Road Development T.B. Ekanayake told local media.
The Highways Minister pointed out that due to constant rains and consequent floods the roads always go under water and get damaged. This is a situation that has been attributed to the lack of a proper drainage system, he pointed out.
The Minister also said that he intends to introduce a new Road Act in Parliament. The new Act will solve problems such as acquisition of land when widening roads and the payment of compensation to the land owners.
USAID funded vocational Training Center for Ampara
A vocational training center for the Ampara Central Camp constructed at a cost of Rs. 111 million was declared open yesterday (12)Minister of Vocational and Technical Training, Piyasena Gamage and the American Ambassador for Sri Lanka Robert O. Blake were the chief guests of the opening ceremony.
The Government of Sri Lanka with the financial assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will construct such vocational training centers in the tsunami hit areas of the South and East.
The Ampara Central Camp vocational training center will offer several courses including carpentry, water pipe mechanism, electricians and domestic electricians, repairing bicycles and repairing three-wheelers.
