Archives

Open economy stimulated development, economic growth - Prime Minister

By Ananda Kannangara

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday that major development projects initiated by the late President J.R Jayewardene through the open economy have immensely benefited the country and its people, creating thousands of jobs.

"Therefore it is our bounden duty to carry out his policies by introducing more development projects for the benefit of future generations," Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said at a ceremony held at UNP Headquarters "Siri Kotha", Pitakotte to mark the unveiling of a statue of President J.R. Jayewardene.

Pradeep Jayewardene, the grandson of the late President represented the family members.

"President Jayewardene was able to accelerate many economic development programs such as garment industries, the tourism sector and foreign employment."

The Premier said Sri Lanka will be able to export garments to America and Europe without any duty being paid after 2005 and this will also help provide more and more jobs to our youth in the years to come.

"When the previous Government handed over the administration to us in December last year our economy had shown negative results. Due to lack of tourist arrivals the tourism industry collapsed and many factories also closed down," the Prime Minister said.

"So we were able to strengthen the economy to a certain extent during the past several months. The situation will get better in the next few years and help us generate more employment opportunities."

He said the government was also committed to address grievances of those already in employment. "At present when workers seek the assistance of Labour Tribunals it takes years to get a decision and ultimately no benefits are gained by workers. I studied this at length and made a proposal to respective officials to solve labour cases within a month or two for the benefit of workers."

The Premier also said that directives have been given to Labour Ministry officials to establish 15 more Labour Tribunals countrywide in addition to the present strength from next year. This will help give quick verdicts for 25, 000 cases pending in Labour tribunals."

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe also mentioned that President Jayewardene was the first trade union leader in Sri Lanka who later become a Prime Minister and the President.

Power and Energy Minister Karu Jayasuriya said the late President's farsighted vision helped develop the country.

"The former President started the Employees Trust fund Scheme (ETF) which benefits our workers in a big way."

Minister M.H. Mohomad said the late President helped people of all communities irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.

Tourism Minister Gamini Lokuge said that the late President during his 40 years in politics improved the trade union movement in this country.

JSS Secretary Srinal de Mel spoke on behalf of the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager