These rural bridges coming up in 11 Divisional Secretariat areas in 03 electorates in the Monaragala District will help to improve the economic conditions of nearly 300,000 people, according to Monaragala District Secretary A Padmanathan.
Monaragala district’s total population is 494,160 comprising 131,764 families in 319 Grama Seva Divisions. The district consists of 1,440 villages where 46,669 families – Divi Neguma beneficiaries – live.
The programme introduced in accordance with the Mahinda Chinthana Vision is activated in 14 districts of the island. These steel bridges have been built without arches so that they can withstand natural disasters resulting from climatic changes.
Since 75 percent of the country’s population live in rural areas, Minister Rajapaksa has expressed confidence that these bridges would help strengthen the rural economy and raise the living standards of villagers. He added that roads built under the Maga Neguma Programme have helped to increase productivity and improve the incomes of the rural population. This is seen especially in the agricultural and plantation sectors, according to him. The bridges will also greatly benefit ordinary commuters and school children.
These rural bridges are being constructed under the guidance of Ministers Sumedha jayasena, Jagath Puspakumara, Vijith Vijayamuni Soysa and Monaragala District Secretary A Padmanathan.(KH/SI)
