Northern development impresses C’wealth visitors

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference delegation which toured the North yesterday, commended the government on its resettlement work and development in the former war zone.

New Zealand National List MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi said the resettlement process in the North was impressive and the government’s approach in the development process in the area was in the right direction.

“This is also so with the reconciliation effort,” he said.

Bakshi said the houses given to IDPs were of a high standard and it was important the IDPs had a good home.

“We see a lot of things happening everywhere. We have to forget the past and live with the present for the future,” he said.

South African Parliamentarian Patricia Mahlo said the Northern development process was excellent and the government was doing a commendable job.

“Roads are being well constructed. This is so with everything else. Anybody can visit Sri Lanka. The country has a peaceful environment.”

Parliamentarian of Calgary, North-East Canada, Devinder Shory said sections in Canada say the Security Forces in Jaffna outnumber civilians here, but from what he witnessed the Forces’ presence was minimal.

The delegates of around 55 from Canada, Barbados, Bangladesh, India and South Africa and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary – General Dr William F Shija also participated. The delegation was received at the Palali Airport by Minister Douglas Devananda, Jaffna Mayor J Yogeshwari and Security Forces Headquarters Commander, Jaffna, Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe.

Thereafter, they were accompanied to a briefing on the development activities in Northern Province.

The delegation later visited the historic Nallur Temple.

Source: Daily News (Sri Lanka)