Speaking at a public meeting in Eravur over the weekend the leader of the Democratic Unity Alliance (DUA) Nazeer Ahmed said extensive development work carried out by Senior Presidential Advisor and Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa under the Uthuru Wasanthaya and Negenahira Udanaya is transforming the lives of the people in the North and the East.

The Uthuru Wasanthaya Task force led by Basil Rajapaksa is in the process of resettling 3,000 internally displaced families in 35 villages in Vavuniya shortly.

‘The opposition in Colombo cries foul at every turn, but the people of the North and East are fully aware of the progress made in improving their lives under the UPFA government,’ he pointed out.

He added at a recent progress review meeting at the Vavuniya District Secretariat, Rs. 9.4 million was allocated for the Paavattakulam irrigation scheme and an additional sum of Rs. 6 million for the Iratta-Periyakulam irrigation scheme.

Another feature of the Uthru Wasanthaya development scheme is the boost power supply is about to get in Vavuniya. Recently a large transformer was transported to the Vavuniya power sub station costing Rs. 20 million to provide electricity to a large section of Vavuniya, said Nazeer Ahmed.

The DUA leader also said one of the most imaginative projects under the Negenahira Udanaya was the first ever rail-bus service between Batticaloa and Trincomalee. ‘This is a unique transport system for the people of the East. Such a service was not available even in India.’

The DUA leader also said a new Lanka Puthra Bank was opened in Batticaloa recently to help those who are involved in agriculture, fisheries and livestock development.