'Economic boom in the East'

Chaminda PERERA

The economy of the Eastern Province has started blooming with the end of the 30 years conflict.

A number of programmes launched by the government to renovate the major irrigation schemes in the Province have resulted in the uplift of agriculture and agro based industries in Province, Presidential Advisor and Former IGP Chandra Fernando said.

Fernando said that the government has renovated major irrigation schemes and small tanks such as Pulukunawa tank, Unnichchiya tank, Raja Ela and Verugal and Mavil Aru irrigation schemes in the Province to revive the agriculture sector after the end of conflict.

He said that large areas of arable lands which had been abandoned for over three decades are being brought under the plough in the Province and the Batticaloa town is becoming a centre of business activity.

"Almost all fisheries harbours in the Province such as the Valachchenai fisheries harbour have been developed and more facilities have been provided to the fishermen in the area", he added.

Fernando added that tuna fish harvest in Batticaloa is directly exported to many countries including Japan.

He said that the road network connecting main cities of the Province with other parts of the country have been developed to promote people to people connectivity and ensure that the Eastern Province farmers receive better market avenues for their produce.

According to Fernando, the government allocated billions of Rupees for the development of infrastructure facilities in the Province.