'ELECTRICITY for 95% OF HOUSEHOLDS'
Chaminda Perera
The massive campaign launched by some elements over the power tariff
hike has become a damn squib, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
He added that some elements say that they would fight for the relief
of householders whose houses have been air conditioned.
"These elements are propagating various opinions over this issue in
society," the President said.
He added that the government led by him succeeded in providing
electricity to 95 per cent of households though the UNP government
provided electricity to 60 per cent only.
"Rural villages have received electricity and roads have been
developed in all nooks and corners of the country," he added.
The President was speaking at the International Midwifery Day
celebrations at Temple Trees yesterday. This ceremony was organized by
the Midwives Association.
President Rajapaksa noted that the governments in the past did not
commence power generation projects to meet the increasing demands.
"The low cost power projects which could have been initiated by
previous governments, had to be started by us," he said.
The President added that the Government began many low cost power
generation projects, such as, the Norochcholai coal power plant and
Upper Kotmale hydro power projects.
"Those speaking about the power tariff hike should have a better
understanding of these issues," he said.
The Midwives Association recognized the services of its officials at
district level at yesterday's function. These officials received special
mementos from the President.
Deputy Chief Secretary of the Association Devika Kodithuwakku and
Trade Union leader W.A.H. Piyadasa also received special awards from the
President.
President Rajapaksa yesterday lauded the tremendous service rendered
by the midwives to uplift the health of mothers and infants.
"The Government has been increasing the allocation for the health
sector year by year", he said. . He said the Government allocates over
Rs. 125 billion for the health sector annually.
The President added that Sri Lanka has achieved top status in the
Asian region in terms of provision of quality health service to its
citizens.
President Rajapaksa said this achievement can not be made by
providing infrastructure facilities to the hospitals alone. He said the
country made this achievement due to the professional discipline and
extreme commitment of midwives.
"The President added that midwives have never been confined to eight
hours of work.. "She goes to the doorsteps of the mothers who require
her service", he said.
"Villagers also realize the importance of her service and midwives
have earned the honour and respect of the people," the President added.
He added that the dignity of midwives will always be protected under
the Government's Mahinda Chinthanaya policy framework.
The President added that 8 out of 9 demands made by the Midwives
Association at a function held at Temple Trees in 2011 have already been
granted .
He said midwives are responsible for maternal and infant health and
have earned the respect from all segments of society for their committed
service.
The President added that midwives have never staged protests holding
placards at the expense of the mothers and infants under their care. The
President commended their professional discipline. He said that the
commitment and dedication of mid wives in Sri Lanka have been recognized
by international organizations, such as, the World Health Organization.
The President also pointed out that the country achieved the lowest
maternal and infant mortality rate due to the dedication and commitment
of midwives
"Sri Lanka produced the best family health worker in 2011", he said.
President Rajapaksa said that midwives work in close coordination with
villagers.
Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Ministry Secretary Dr. Nihal
Jayathilaka, Director General Health Services Dr. Palitha Maheepala and
Government Medical Officers Association Secretary Dr. Chandika
Epitakatuwa also spoke. |