Co-chairs representatives meet President

Local representatives of the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo donor conference yesterday met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees.

Discussions centred on development of infrastructure of the areas liberated from the terrorists and the provision of other necessities and facilities to the civilians to be resettled.

The President noted that since the North had not seen any development for the past 30 years the Government has given its topmost priority to develop these areas and provide all needs and facilities for the people.

Already work has commenced on the road rehabilitation, electricity supply and in the field of education and health, the President informed the representatives.

Also discussed was the need for a close rapport with the countries representing the donor co-chairs in the implementation of long term development programs for the North and in relation to welfare programs for the freed civilians.

Representing the co-chairs were Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Tore Hattren, Japanese Ambassador Kunio Takahashi, EU Ambassador Bevnois Savage, USA representative Jones Moore and Special representative of the Chairman of the EU, Herak Mungenast.

Also present were Ministers Mahinda Samarasinghe, Rohitha Bogollagama, Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa MP and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga.