24 July, 2007 - Published 13:19 GMT

Rs.6500 million for east development

The government of Sri Lanka says Rs. 6500 million has been allocated to redevelop the eastern province.

Defence Affairs spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, said the government is planning to initial work to be completed within 180 days.

He accepted redeveloping and establishing a civil administration in the eastern province is a formidable challenge to the government.

In a lavish ceremony in Colombo on 19 July, President Mahinda Rajapaksa celebrated recapturing the region from the Tamil Tigers.

Killing Eastern Secretary

Sri Lanka military announced capturing the last LTTE stronghold, Thoppigala, on 11 July.

Tamil Tigers were accused of killing the most senior civil administrator in the eastern province within days of the announcement.

Murder of Eastern Secretary, Herath Abeyweera, was an indication of the LTTE's dissatisfaction over redevelopment projects in the east, Minister Rambukwella told journalists in Colombo.

The minister urged opposition parties not to attempt to disrupt the 'Rising in the East' redevelopment project.

Aid agencies have warned that an order by Eastern Commander for the military to 'supervise' development projects might have adverse effects on international aid.

Military spokesman, Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe, told BBC Sandeshaya that it is the duty of the armed forces to take appropriate measures to protect the region.