Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi, chaired the first Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee meeting yesterday, during which Rs. 8,100 million was allocated for several key initiatives in various sectors.
Commenting on the meeting, Minister Sunil Handunneththi said this marks the first time since 1994 that a Cabinet Minister has been appointed to chair the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee, highlighting that it was a significant step for the region.
He further said that, at the meeting, Rs. 8,100 million was allocated for the year under the national budget for 2,077 development projects in the Batticaloa District.
These include key initiatives aimed at developing the tourism industry, strengthening the agriculture sector, enhancing the fisheries sector, and improving major roads and infrastructure, the minister said.
Minister Sunil Handunneththi further said that the meeting also addressed urgent environmental concerns, particularly the rising issue of wild elephant conflicts.
“It was decided to invite Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabandige to the next committee meeting for further discussion. Likewise, to address the growing threat of illicit drug-related issues in the district, an invitation will be extended to Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijeyapala for his participation,” he added.
The meeting was attended by Batticaloa District MP Kandasaami Prabhu, as well as representatives from the government and opposition, Eastern Province Governor Jayantha Lal Rathnasiri, Batticaloa District Secretary, and a large number of state officials. (Newswire)