During the Vavuniya District Food Security Programme held on Wednesday (1) at the Vavuniya District Secretariat, in conjunction with the New Village – New Country National Programme, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addressed the critical matter of land ownership issues in the region.
The Prime Minister emphasized, “One of the issues prevailing in the Vavuniya District is the land issue. The second problem is the issues that have arisen for a long time due to conflict with the Forest Conservation Department and forest conservation rules and regulations. When I presented the project of Vavuniya Water Scheme as the Water Supply Minister, one department after another came up with hurdles and did not give permission to start the water scheme. But somehow provisions were allocated, and it was managed to transport water through the forest and implement the project. Now water is brought through pipe lines laid through the jungle.”
He further discussed the challenges in regions declared as forests, especially in the Northern Province, and the need to address these issues. He mentioned, “This problem exists in Moneragala, Ampara, and Trincomalee districts. But the farmers raise their cattle on those lands. These lands were used for traditional farming. We will give the necessary powers to the Government Agent to hold a special discussion and ease this problem.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of technological advancements and digital methods in addressing various challenges. He mentioned, “The Registrar General Department has started a new program to register birth certificates by using technology and digital methods. It is significant to provide solutions to such situations by conducting mobile services and providing copies of birth certificates and other documents through new technologies.”
He expressed the vision of transforming Vavuniya into a self-sufficient, developed village with a focus on paddy cultivation and various crops. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for systematic planning and implementation to achieve this goal and create a better future for the people living in the area.
The Prime Minister also discussed the transformation of Vavuniya into an export village and the importance of high-yielding seeds for farming. He mentioned the government’s commitment to support low-income communities during the economic crisis and the appointment of teachers to address subject-specific shortages at the provincial and district levels.
The Prime Minister concluded by addressing the upcoming Grama Niladhari exam and the filling of vacancies, with a focus on remote areas and special qualifications.
TNA-MPs Selwam Adaikalanadan, Charles Nirmalanadan, and Vino Noharathalingam, along with EPDP-MP Kulasingham Dilibaran, also shared their insights during the event.
The event saw the participation of various dignitaries and government officials, including Northern Province Governor P.S.M. Charles, State Ministers Kadar Mastan, Janaka Wakkumbura, Ashoka Priyantha, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Adviser of the President Dr. Suren Batagoda, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Ranjith Ashoka, Secretary of the Northern Province S.M. Saman Bandulasena, District Secretary of Vavuniya P.A. Sarachchandra, and other government representatives.
