Election should be fair and free - Minister Douglas

(January 27, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) "People are being resettled stage by stage under the resettlement process which is the prime requirements of the people who were displaced due to the war which prevailed for the last 30 years," the Minister Devananda told in a meeting. "The government wants to resettle the people after the demining clearing certificate is issued by the Ministry of Deference to make sure the safety of the people who is to be resettled. Employment opportunities, and infrastructure facilities are the other important factors to be developed to improve the standard of living of the people who experienced a 30 year war which destroyed their life," he added.

There was a Meeting today at the Government Agent's Office in Jaffna to review the development being carried out in Jaffna peninsula with the participation of The Governor General Major General G. A. Chandrasiri, Government Agent Mrs. Imelda Sukumar, Jaffna District Parlimentarian Mr. Chandra Murugesu and Jaffna Municipal Council Mayoress her Lordship Mrs. Yogeswari Patkunarasa and Departmental heads of Government institutions with the Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises in the chair.

Minister instructed the RDA officers to accelerate the A 9 road and other roads development work in order to cater the increased vehicular traffic on this roads which is a prime factor in the infrastructure development. He further said not to be carried away with rumours that is spread with the intention of tarnish the image of the government and the government officers should make the people aware of the real situation to face the future with the courage. Local government election should be fair and free and non-violent in view of giving the public a chance to select their representatives democratically with the help of government servants who should ensure a peaceful environment.