The Governor of the Eastern Province and the Government Agents of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Amparai spelled out particular needs in the current context. It was emphasized that there was need for the full participation of all communities in the effort. Administrators would be drawn from all communities, which was in any case national policy as explained by the Hon Karu Jayasuriya, in his capacity of Minister of Public Administration.

Reiterating this, the Secretary of Defence spelled out the need to ensure that the police would consist of all three communities. Rapid recruitment to ensure this might be necessary. He noted that with the removal of the terrorist threat, there was no need whatsoever for arms to be borne by anyone except the security forces, and such activities should be stopped. At the same time, constant vigilance by the forces would continue since occasional acts of terrorism could be attempted, such as the recent assassination of the Provincial Secretary.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to the large quantity of assistance that was available, and pointed out that the line ministries should work purposefully to carry out projects expeditiously. Amongst projects he mentioned were the roads for which the French government and the EU had pledged support and the irrigation project undertaken by the Japanese government. Rapid infrastructural development was essential if the people of the East were to be empowered to lead their own lives. Other areas in which assistance was available were communications and railways.

It was also noted that human capacity development was essential, and streamlined educational programmes were required for this. Emphasis should be on vocational training, though with basic educational qualifications so that persons from the province could compete on the wider job market too. Ordinary Level qualifications in all three languages could be targeted, along with IT, as these would enhance the employability of those with vocational training qualifications. The tourist industry was an obvious source of opportunities for which some basic training could be provided quickly, while communication skills would enhance opportunities in the international labour market. It was also suggested that job camps should be conducted in the area, with the assistance of chambers of commerce, and also school based recruitment programmes, to make clear to the inhabitants the opportunities that were available.

The Secretary to the President Mr Lalith Weeratunga delivered a special message form HE the President to the effect that all Ministries and Government Agencies should appoint an officer with special responsibility to coordinate and monitor work for the Eastern Province. The Secretary to the Media Ministry was also requested to formulate a strategy to ensure general awareness of progress, and facilitate national and stakeholder awareness of and participation in the development programme.