‘Pibidemu Polonnaruwa’ allocated Rs 60b for five years: GA
The Polonnaruwa District has received one of the biggest allocations for development activities under the ‘ Pibidemu Polonnaruwa’ pro gramme, said Government Agent, Ranjith Ariyaratne.
“Polonnaruwa is one of the districts into which a large investment has gone into, considering it has been an isolated district. Under this programme, Rs 60 billion has been allocated for five years," he said.
He said two-and-a-half years have been completed, with Rs 12 billion allocated, of which only Rs 9 billion of work have been completed, due to practical problems such as obtaining permission for excavating soil etc.
“Most lands belong to the Wildlife & Forest Department and besides, the people are reluctant when resources from their areas are taken away," he said.
He said about 19 sectors such as road development, water, city development, education, agriculture, livelihood projects and health projects have been identified, while infrastructure for the Heath sector, sanitation for schools and classrooms will be completed this year.
In addition, improving 14 Pirivenas and temples is under way, while the Polonnaruwa hospital too is being renovated.
A Rs 1,500 million drinking water project is also under way in the district.
The tri-language school with Indian assistance and a Kidney hospital with Chinese assistance, amounting to Rs 12 billion, are among other projects coming up.
He said the drought had an impact where farming was abandoned in Kaudulla and Giritale, with about 30% of the district's estimated production lost.
Unemployment remains an issue in the district, with some migrating for employment in the construction industry elsewhere.