President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing a special committee meeting, drew parallels to the successful implementation of the Mahaweli Development Project during the 1980s, affirming a similar commitment to expediting the Eastern Development Project. He emphasised the imperative of fostering a conducive environment that reinvigorates the nation’s economy, stressing the need to engage India’s assistance in this endeavour.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the endeavour, President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of a comprehensive vision for Trincomalee’s transformation into a multifaceted hub encompassing energy, transportation, maritime commerce, naval operations, aviation, industry, and tourism. He underscored the collaborative role of India in realising this strategic programme.

These remarks were made during a special meeting presided over by President Wickremesinghe at the Trincomalee Air Force Base today (April 24).

The session prominently addressed the meticulous administration of government and Mahaweli-designated land within the district. The President duly instructed officials to provide him with a comprehensive report encompassing land allocations spanning the period 2019 to 2023.

President Wickremesinghe asserted that land is an essential factor in the development trajectory. He highlighted the importance of vigilant management for the achievement of desired developmental objectives.

In addition, the President provided explicit guidance to cease the competitive establishment of religious sites. He advocated for a consultative approach in future undertakings concerning religious structures within the Trincomalee district. Decisions in this regard, he said, should be reached in coordination with the governor, district political leaders, and relevant governmental authorities.