'War destroyed all infrastructure of Northeast'

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 24 September 2003, 12:18 GMT]
The North East Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Ministry Secretary, Mr.S.Sivathasan, addressing the annual general meeting of the Trincomalee branch of the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) during the weekend, said the two-decades old war had destroyed all infrastructure facilities of the Northeast province.

"The challenge before us today is to build the manpower to reconstruct the devastated province. First we need human resources and second financial resources. International aid has been pledged for the rehabilitation of infrastructure development of the province," Mr. Sivathasan added.

Mr. Sivathasan was the chief guest at the event, held at the Hotel Club Oceanic.

He said no space is found to even put a table and a chair to manage the development and reconstruction work. Not only in the Trincomalee district but in other districts of the province too, the same situation prevails. The province has a dearth of qualified masons, carpenters, tile layers and other categories of skilled workers and heavy equipment needed to undertake construction works.



NE Provincial Rehabilitation,Reconstruction Ministry Secretary Mr.Sivathasan speaking


Upgrading the skills of the workers should be done without delay as it would increase productivity and better output, he said, adding that the private sector has a vital role to play in the rebuilding of the devastated northeast province. "Provincial contractors could join hands with major contract firms in other parts of the country in this regard."

"A Massive opportunity is ahead of us and it would go to waste if those engaged in construction are not equipped with necessary skill and competent workers," stressed Mr.Sivathasan.

The Director of Construction in the provincial ministry of Health, Mr.M.A.Francis, was the guest of honour. President of the Trincomalee branch of the NCASL, Mr.T.Vilvamangal, presided. The past chairmen of the NCASL, Mr. Rohan Tudawe and Mr. D.D.Wijemanne, also spoke.