July 31, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government today launched the 180 day accelerated eastern development programme named "Reawakening of the East" at Trincomalee.

Basil Rajapaksa, Senior Advisor to the President Mahinda Rajapaksa launched the new program, which was attended by several senior ministers.

Addressing the gathering Basil Rajapksa briefed on the government’s plans for the eastern province and the need to ensure swift development of the area that had been neglected too long.

During last week’s meeting in this regard, President Mahinda Rajapaksa directed all Ministries and Government Agencies to appoint an officer with special responsibility to coordinate and monitor the work for the eastern province.

The Sri Lankan government has already allocated rupees 6.5 billion to the initial stage of the massive development programme.