The committee appointed to safeguard lands in the Eastern Province convened for the second time yesterday (16) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the chairmanship of Presidential Chief of Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi.

The committee, tasked with preventing illegal land acquisitions, protecting coastal belts, and coordinating state institutions to resolve land issues swiftly, reviewed the progress of field inspections carried out so far and examined the current situation in detail.

Officials provided information on unauthorized constructions along the province’s coastal belts, illegal state land acquisitions, and encroachments on lands belonging to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. 

The committee instructed that a comprehensive report on these matters be submitted within two months.

In addition, it was decided to obtain an interim report specifically on unauthorized constructions at Arugam Bay, with inputs to be gathered from District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries during the preparation of reports. (Newswire)

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The Government Medical Officers’ Association today (13 Jan) launched a doctors’ strike across all hospitals in the Eastern Province.

The strike was initiated, demanding the removal of the Medical Superintendent of the Akkaraipattu Base Hospital, citing administrative and financial irregularities, and calling for the appointment of another director to the post.

Accordingly, the strike is being carried out in 2 general hospitals, 1 teaching hospital, 17 base hospitals, 52 district hospitals, and 113 primary medical centres in the Eastern Province.

However, GMOA Executive Committee Member and Ampara District Organizer Dr. Janith Peduruarachchi stated that doctors in all hospitals in Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee districts are participating in this trade union action. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has unveiled an ambitious 10-year initiative aimed at boosting agriculture and tourism in the Eastern Province, with a particular focus on the development of Trincomalee.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President highlighted plans to harness the untapped potential of the Mahaweli A and B zones in the Batticaloa district, previously overlooked by Mahaweli projects. 

Additionally, a comprehensive tourism strategy spanning from Nilaweli to Panama is set to be implemented.

“Our 10-year plan for the Batticaloa district is poised to bolster its economic vitality. A new vision emerges as we plan to transform Trincomalee into a thriving city, in collaboration with India, tapping into mineral resources and creating a bustling trade hub.

“Trincomalee has set its sights on establishing an expansive 1000-acre investment zone. A systematic development plan for the Trincomalee Port has been prepared by a Singaporean company Surbana Jurong and we are determined to see it through. This ambitious endeavour will transform Trincomalee into a major city and a robust economic hub,” the President said.

The President made these announcements during his attendance at the 149th-anniversary celebration of Chenkaladi Madhya Maha Vidyalaya in Batticaloa recently. 

Furthermore, efforts to enhance the college’s infrastructure were initiated in conjunction with its anniversary and President Ranil Wickremesinghe personally conferred certificates to students who successfully completed their advanced level studies at Chenkaladi Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, Batticaloa.

Addressing the event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said; “Batticaloa is a district of great fortune, boasting two schools with a distinguished 150-year legacy. Just yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the momentous 150th anniversary celebration of St. Michael’s College. Today, we are gathered here at Chenkaladi Madhya Maha Vidyalaya.

“It’s worth noting that the late Minister Mr. K.W. Devanayagayan received his education at this very school and I had the honour of working alongside him during Mr. J.R. Jayawardene’s cabinet. This institution has consistently provided high-quality education to the youth of Chenkaladi and Kalkuda areas. The proof lies in the remarkable number of students it has sent to Jayawardenepura University, as well as those pursuing various courses, including accounting. These students have also excelled in the field of technology, despite the school’s lack of a proper technology lab. As a result, I am committed to establishing a state-of-the-art technology laboratory at the school to further enhance its educational offerings.

“While this school has undoubtedly achieved academic excellence, its talents extend beyond the classroom, notably in the field of dance. Today, the Chenkaladi area has seen significant development and it’s our duty to continue fostering progress in these regions, a shared aspiration of both Mr. Devanayagan and Mr. Rajadure, distinguished ministers from the Batticaloa district. I’m pleased to report that we are actively working to fulfil their vision.

“Education has been the cornerstone of Batticaloa’s development, yet the economic foundation requires strengthening. Our 10-year plan for the Batticaloa district is poised to bolster its economic vitality. While President J.R. Jayawardene initially intended to leverage the Mahaweli initiative for regional development, the shadow of war prevented its realization. Today, a new vision emerges as we plan to transform Trincomalee into a thriving city, in collaboration with India, tapping into mineral resources and creating a bustling trade hub.

“In Katunayake, Biyagama, there exists a 400-acre investment zone, but Trincomalee has set its sights on establishing an expansive 1000-acre investment zone. A systematic development plan for the Trincomalee Port has been prepared by a Singaporean company Surbana Jurong and we are determined to see it through,” he said.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized that this ambitious endeavour will transform Trincomalee into a major city and a robust economic hub. 

“Concurrently, we recognize the importance of agricultural development. Plans are underway to harness the untapped potential of the Mahaweli A and B regions in the Batticaloa district, previously overlooked by Mahaweli projects. Our aim is to create a modern agricultural industry in this area. The province has achieved self-sufficiency in rice production and we are actively working to diversify our crop portfolio. Increasing liquid milk production through the introduction of new livestock management practices is also on the horizon. We are seeking support from local companies like Ambewela in Sri Lanka and international firms to achieve this goal.

“To bolster tourism in the Eastern Province, we are mapping out a tourist zone spanning from Nilaveli to Panama. Plans include the development of forest and lake areas to enhance the tourism experience.

“Over the next 10 years, our focus remains on the comprehensive development of Trincomalee city, revitalizing the Mahaweli A and B regions, modernizing agriculture and promoting tourism. These efforts are poised to usher in a new era of economic prosperity in these provinces. Additionally, addressing the concerns of dairy farmers is a top priority,” he added.

Esteemed individuals, including Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman, State Minister S. Vyalendran, Devadasan Kuhalasan, Principal of Chenkaladi Central College and a group of teachers and students participated in the event. (NewsWire)

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