Aug 13, Galle: The Sri Lankan government will spend 4 billion rupees to upgrade health facilities and improve health services in the Southern district of Galle.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has disclosed this Monday when he chaired the Galle district development committee meeting held at Hall de Galle to review the progress of the development projects proposed in the district.

The President has discussed the projects launched in several sectors including agriculture, fisheries and tourism and also the future projects planned for the district with the relevant local officials as well as with the ministers and parliamentarian of the district.

He has instructed public representatives and officials not to initiate any development project without having funds allocated to implement it. He told the officials to identify the people's needs and launch only the projects that meet those needs without wasting public funds.

President Rajapaksa, addressing the complaints made by public that many public buildings in the District have been shut down without utilizing them, has instructed the officials to immediately look into the issue.

He has also directed the officials to ascertain whether the expected goals were achieved from the state land given to certain private sector projects.

During the discussion on the fishery industry and the development of fisheries harbors, representatives of the industry have complained to the President that the allocated 50 liters of fuel subsidy to fishermen was not sufficient and asked to increase the allowance to 100 liters. Responding to it the President has instructed relevant officials to immediately to implement it.

Among other issues discussed at the development committee meeting were the development of Hikkaduwa, Baddegama and Galle towns, drinking water facilities, upgrading facilities at Karapitiya and Mahamodara teaching hospitals and road development.

The President also declared open the new building of the Imaduwa Divisional Secretariat today.

Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody, Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs Wijaya Dahanayake, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Galle district parliamentarians were present at the occasions.

(Photos by Chandana Perera)