By: Staff Writer Colombo (LNW): The Government has embarked on an ambitious 10-year initiative aimed at boosting agriculture and tourism in the Eastern Province, with a particular focus on the development of Trincomalee. Plans will be devised soon to harness the untapped potential of the Mahaweli A and B zones in the Batticaloa district, previously overlooked by Mahaweli projects. Additionally, a comprehensive tourism strategy spanning from Nilaweli to Panama is set to be implemented. President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these announcements during his attendance at the 149th anniversary celebration of Chenkaladi Madhya Maha Vidyalaya in Batticaloa recently. The proposed 10-year plan for the Batticaloa district is poised to bolster its economic vitality. While President J.R. Jayawardene initially intended to leverage the Mahaweli initiative for regional development, but the shadow of war prevented its realization. Today, a new vision emerges as government plans to transform Trincomalee into a thriving city, in collaboration with India, tapping into mineral resources and creating a bustling trade hub. In Katunayake, Biyagama, there exists a 400-acre investment zone, but Trincomalee has set its sights on establishing an expansive 1000-acre investment zone. A systematic development plan for the Trincomalee Port has been prepared by a Singaporean company Surbana Jurong and the govenmnt is determined to see it through. This ambitious endeavour will transform Trincomalee into a major city and a robust economic hub. Concurrently, the government has recognised the importance of agricultural development. Plans are underway to harness the untapped potential of the Mahaweli A and B regions in the Batticaloa district, previously overlooked by Mahaweli projects. The aim is to create a modern agricultural industry in this area. The province has achieved self-sufficiency in rice production and we are actively working to diversify our crop portfolio. Increasing liquid milk production through the introduction of new livestock management practices is also on the horizon. The government is seeking support from local companies like Ambewela in Sri Lanka and international firms to achieve this goal. To bolster tourism in the Eastern Province it has been mapping out a tourist zone spanning from Nilaveli to Panama. Plans include the development of forest and lake areas to enhance the tourism experience. Over the next 10 years, our focus remains on the comprehensive development of Trincomalee city, revitalizing the Mahaweli A and B regions, modernizing agriculture and promoting tourism. These efforts are poised to usher in a new era of economic prosperity in these provinces. Additionally, addressing the concerns of dairy farmers is a top priority.