'Welfare measures lead people towards dependent mentality'
Ridma DISSANAYAKE
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Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne presenting a kerosene subsidy to
a recipient.
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'Although the welfare measures adopted by Sri Lanka are beneficial
for the masses they tend to lead people towards a dependent mentality.
This is evident when one looks at it more deeply, Prime Minister
D.M.Jayaratne said.
"As one nation all of us should have the freedom to stand
independently. A welfare policy in a country should not force the people
to surrender their independence," he said.
The Prime Minister was addressing the kerosene subsidy distribution
ceremony held at the Doluwa Divisional Secretariat in Gampola
simultaneously to the kerosene subsidy distribution programme held
islandwide.
The government is providing unprecedented relief through 24 sectors
and the government have to spend huge amounts of money on these
programmes. If the amount of money which the government spends annually
for providing relief to certain segments are spent on for public
services it will benefit society more than now. It will also help us
achieve development goals in a short period as well, he stated.
According to the premier there is no other country in the world other
than Sri Lanka which provides services free of charge. But the welfare
system in Sri Lanka has a long history and now it has transformed into a
welfare policy.
"The government has forced to increase fuel prices, recently. "We do
not want to place any stress on the public. But with certain changes on
the international scheme we have to make some changes in our economic
system too.
Sometimes we have to face very serious situations in the future than
at present. Because of that practicing frugality is most important for a
better future," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister distributed the kerosene subsidy among 500
families in the Doluwa Divisional Secretariat and all of them received
subsidy cards for the next six months. |
