The government has decided to halt the programme with immediate effect but the development activities that are already in progress, such as construction of buildings will continue, the Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs Joseph Michael Perera told media.

The minister added that the government has received a number of complaints about the program and a report will be compiled accordingly.

Therefore the construction of buildings which have already commenced will continue in the same manner, the government said.

The 9th Deyata Kirula National Development program this year was planned to be held in Matara.

The annual exhibition, held since 2006 was launched with the aim of developing rural areas. However, it was also criticised as a colossal waste of public money.