Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of directing the special attention towards development initiatives and improving the livelihoods of individuals residing in areas affected by the war.
Prime Minister made these remarks yesterday (19th) while addressing a public gathering organized by the National People’s Power (NPP) in Palai and Poonakary in the Kilinochchi District.
In her address, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya stated:
"Kilinochchi is a district where communities endured immense hardship throughout the period of War. A significant number of individuals in this area have been left disabled as a consequence of the war. I have come to understand that many parents of today’s younger generation were among those severely impacted during that time.
A large number of women in the Northern and Eastern provinces are currently burdened with microfinance loans, which they obtained either to support their families or to ensure the education of their children.
In some areas, there are no cemeteries available for individuals to be laid to rest with dignity, an issue that is profoundly sensitive.
Further, some areas are facing challenges with access to clean drinking water, with high salinity levels causing severe hardship to local residents. In addition, there is a lack of adequate schools for children.
These are not insurmountable issues. They are solvable concerns. However, previous administrations have failed to recognize them, which is why the people continue to suffer.
Even sixteen years after the end of the war, while we see coconut and palmyrah trees being replanted, the real question remains that how much have these areas have truly changed? Has there been a meaningful improvement in the quality of life of the people? An objective examination of the challenges faced by these communities clearly highlights the urgent need for targeted attention.
In the Northern and Eastern provinces, basic necessities such as education, healthcare, transportation, and sustainable livelihoods remain unmet, even years after the end of the War. It is therefore imperative to establish directing local leadership at the local level.
There are focused efforts to develop the Northern and Eastern provinces into regions capable of attracting tourism, thereby strengthening the local economy."
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya called upon the public to join hands with the NPP, which remains committed to democratic principles and community engagement, in building empowered and progressive Local Governments and municipal councils in the future.
The event was attended by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekaran, NPP Member of Parliament for the Jaffna District, Ilankumaran Karunanandan, NPP candidates from the Kilinochchi District, as well as a large number of local residents.
Prime Minister’s Media Division