Colombo (LNW): State Minister for Provincial Council and Local Government, Janaka Wakkumbura, revealed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has earmarked Rs. 1,500 million for the “Greater Kandy Urban Development Programme” in the current year’s budget.
During a Press Briefing at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held today (29), the State Minister disclosed that Rs. 1,000 million has been allocated for a special project aimed at tourism development, with the involvement of local authorities to facilitate tourists.
Expanding on future plans, the State Minister outlined a comprehensive development programme slated for 2024, backed by a substantial budget exceeding Rs. 34,000 million covering all nine provinces. The ambitious goal is to complete these development projects by December of the following year.
Noteworthy is the allocation of Rs. 7,000 million for infrastructure development in the North, North-East, Uva, and North Central provinces. Additionally, Rs. 600 million is designated to address deficiencies in local government institutions.
Under the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a special project has been initiated with a Rs. 1,000 million allocation to enhance facilities through local government bodies, focusing on tourism development.
There is optimistic anticipation for a Rs. 1,500 million development project, complemented by a Rs. 500 million contribution from local government agencies.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has specifically allocated Rs. 1,500 million in this year’s budget for the “Greater Kandy Urban Development Programme,” primarily for enhancing the road leading to Kandy city.
Addressing a related issue, approximately 3,000 public servants who submitted nominations for local government elections have had their concerns addressed. A cabinet paper has been submitted to review their appeals and reinstate them, with an expected reemployment within a month, under the condition of refraining from engaging in political activities.
Additionally, around 2,700 vacant positions for ‘Grama Seva’ officials are scheduled for examination by December 2nd, with efforts to appoint them before February 4th, 2024. A significant step has also been taken to convert 8,400 casual employees in local government institutions into permanent staff through mandatory employment arrangements.
