Rs. 27 billion is being spent under the Uthuru Wasanthaya programme for the development of the Mannar District.

Its purpose is to improve the infrastructure which includes road and bridges immediately.

The Road Development Authority has already completed the work on the new Thal Adi Bridge. It costs Rs. 2.46 billion.

The work was launched on the advice of the President and with the observation of Head of the "Uthuru Wasanthaya" Task Force Basil Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

In the meantime, construction work on the road from Murunkan to Silawathura in Mannar is now in progress.

According to the Road Development Authority, the construction of the Araviaara Bridge in the area is also on schedule. (VS)