No intention to burden public - President
*Never imposed hardships willingly
*Vested interests misleading public
Rasika SOMARATHNA
The government was compelled to increase the price of fuel due to its
difficulty in shouldering the massive economic weight imposed by the
rise in world oil prices, a decision the government was forced to take
against its will, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.
“The government has never imposed hardships on the people willingly,”
he said.
He said the government has taken measures to provide relief to all
needy sectors affected by the fuel price hike.
Addressing the gathering in Kadawatha on Saturday following the
inauguration of several key development initiatives in the area,
President Rajapaksa also noted that despite some parties with vested
interests trying to mislead the public, the people were aware of the
prevailing volatile situation in the global fuel markets.
The President noted that these parties with vested interest, were
trying to take advantage of the prevailing situation to instigate a
volatile situation internally with the intention of putting Sri Lanka to
difficulty at the forthcoming United Nations Human Rights Council
sessions.
However, the President emphasised that despite difficulties, he was
determined and committed to uphold responsibilities vested in him by the
nation to create a peaceful and prosperous country.
President Rajapaksa assured the gathering that whatever the obstacle,
he was determined to take the country forward step - by - step on the
path to prosperity as envisioned in his policy manifesto Malinda
Chinthana.
The President urged the public to uphold their duty and keep their
trust in the government and help take the country forward.
President Rajapaksa also recalled how his government was able to
steer the country forward during difficult periods.
The President pointed out to the gathering that the government had
reunited the country in a short span defeating terrorism. He also
recalled taking the country forward successfully during difficulties
such as the world economic recession, food scarcity, global fuel price
fluctuations, etc.
Earlier, the President inaugurated the construction of the second
phase of the Outer Circular Expressway. He also vested with the public,
the newly initiated safe drinking water project which will benefit over
500,000 people in Mahara, Kadawatha, Wattala, Welisara, Ragama, Kandana,
Jaela, Ekala, Biyagama, Delgoda, Muthurajawela and Pamunugama.
He also opened the new courts complex at Kadawatha built at Rs 175
million and vested with the public the new bus stand at Kadawatha,
Gemidiriya Cooperative Society at Mahara, underground pedestrian tunnel
at Kadawatha and the newly constructed pedestrian walkways in the town.
The multiple events on Saturday were attended by ministers,
government officials and the public. |