A new variety of high yield green gram has been produced by the Agriculture Research Station at Maha iluppallama in Anuradhapura. This is known as M.I. 06 green gram. It gives a bumper harvest of 1,500 kilogrammes when one hectare is brought under green gram cultivation within 55 days. The plant does not require much water for cultivation.
The newly-constructed eight km of low maintenance, durable roads and drainage structures in the Pottuvil, Ampara district, funded by The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) were opened recently, said a US Embassy press release. In the past, the roads flooded and became almost impassable; today, with the professionally-constructed roads and drainage structures, residents and visitors can travel with ease. The finished roads have had a major impact on the community in Pottuvil. Because the roads are now paved, the reduction of dust in the town is significant. Additionally, the local population's access to many essential services, including schools, health clinics and places of worship, has been dramatically improved by the new transportation systems. USAID, the US Government agency in charge of delivering development assistance from the American people, funded the project, and UNOPS implemented its construction. For the opening ceremony, USAID and UNOPS welcomed representatives from local government and the community. They were joined by A.H.M. Ansar, Divisional Secretary A.L.M. Asmy, Assistant Divisional Secretary, A.L. Mohamed Rauf, Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, and A.M. Abdul Majeed, Opposition Leader, Pradeshiya Sabha, Mike Gould, Senior Engineer from USAID was joined by Rainer Frauenfeld, Fergus Gleeson and Fraser Sparks from UNOPS. The project began in September 2006, with the initial work being done on the construction yard in Pottuvil. In December 2006, work began on a concrete block casting yard. In March 2007, the concrete blocks produced at the casting yard were used to begin the road construction. In December 2007, just over one year after the project began, the entire eight km network of roads and drainage systems was successfully completed. The end result did more than just produce roads and drainage, it created jobs and experience. It also built human capital. The concrete block construction yard created in excess of 50,000 labour days with a workforce of some 400 labourers, significantly improving individual livelihoods and the overall economy of the tsunami and conflict-affected Pottuvil.
A water supply scheme costing Rs. 3,500 million is to be constructed for the benefit of 50,000 families in the Muttur area.
Sri Lanka has won kudos as being the first among all South East Asian countries which had successfully controlled the Malaria epidemic. Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry sources said.
The people of Deraniyagala have been warned about the spread of chikungunya in the area.
Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Chief Medical Officer Dr.
Chief accountant of Tourism Ministry W. Wimalasena handing over the car to Assistant Secretary to the Chief Ministry office of North Central Province Sugath Nayanannda.
Chinese group here to identify land for industrial zone
The Medawachchiya district hospital has registered 3,000 kidney patients at their clinic, a spokesman for the hospital told a progress review meeting.
