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"There is a certain group that is working its way towards joining the PA, involved in protest campaigns demanding an end to the Ceasefire Agreement, and the dismissal of the Norwegian peace team and the ceasefire monitoring mission, with narrow political intentions of sabotaging the development process; thereby once again creating a traumatic environment within the country by instigating a war. I wish to put forward a simple question to the people: Do the people approve of such a turbulent environment in the country? Or do they approve of a situation where the major development program commenced by the government could be carried on uninterrupted?" These views were expressed by Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Minister of Constitutional Affairs, having presented letters of appointments to the new recruits of Romex Tex Garments factory under the "Arunalu - 10,000 Jobs Programme", a concept of the Minister to minimise the unemployment situation in difficult areas by generating 10,000 new jobs in the apparel sector.

The Arunalu programme was launched in Elahera, Matale. Centering around the difficult areas it is expected to have 250 new jobs created by each factory.

Minister Peiris said: - those present here would know better than I do, of the situation that prevailed in this area two years ago. Families had to run to the jungles towards sundown not knowing whether they would live to witness another day. More than development it was a fight for survival. What is the situation today? Minister Harrison commenced reconstruction work on the Kumbukwewa Reservoir in order to settle the water problem in the area.

The government has a major plan to supply water to this agro-economic area. Due to the poor condition of the roads the people of this area are unable to set about their daily work smoothly. The government, therefore, has allocated a large amount of money for the development of roads and power. What is the reason behind all these benefits? - The prevailing peace. The reason for peace is the signing of the ceasefire agreement last February. During that period there was much criticism levelled against the process.

The Prime Minister, amidst all difficulties has managed to secure peace for 19 long months. If not for that situation there wouldn't have been new jobs created in Romex Tex today. In order to generate employment opportunities, there should be economic progress.

Investors and tourists are arriving in the country due to the peaceful atmosphere that prevails. When the situation is thus improving there are certain groups as said before, opposing the process. Norway has assisted us in establishing peace in the country. There was a ceasefire agreement in 1995 which lasted only from January 08 to April 19. At that time the government of Norway was not involved in the process.

We have been able to go ahead with our development programme with schools, hospitals, roads, irrigation systems, power, jobs in the apparel sector as a result of the ceasefire agreement. It is the duty of the people to realise it and assist the government. The youth today are much in need of jobs. Our programme will enable 250 jobs to be generated by this company, which is not just a promise for the future but a realistic situation. The job opportunities are not for Colombo but for difficult areas such as this.

There will be provincial council elections held in the Vayamba Province which would also most probably be held in the North Central province too.

Minister of Housing Development, P. Harrison: There were times when the people of the Kebithigollewa area did not walk on the roads even during the day. But today, the Prime Minister's peace plan, implemented by Prof. G. L. Peiris has made it possible for the people in these areas to live in peace, without any fear or inhibition. Some of us have not forgotten the traumatic situations we had to live through at that time. Minister Assisting Foreign Affairs, Lal Dharmapriya Gamage: This garment factory had to be closed down for various reasons. But today, Prof. G. L. Peiris effective program has made it possible to commence operations in this factory once again.

Prior to this event Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris participated in the commencement of Mahasenpura, Kumbukwewa reconstruction programme. He also visited the Medawachchiya and Mihintale areas for presenting new appointments in the apparel sectors in this area under the Arunalu programme.

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