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The public should decide on what is best for the future of the country; whether it should be a continuous growth whereby the people would continue to enjoy the peace dividends on economic prosperity having ended the fierce 2-decade war, or should it be by inconveniencing the public with crippled health services leaving patients on the verge of death, hampering transport services, ruining the tourist and hotel industry, setting fire to universities, etc., and converting this country into one of the poorest in the world.

These views were expressed by Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Minister of Constitutional Affairs, in his keynote address at the opening of the Fish Technocraft 2003 Exhibition and Workshop at Hotel Galadari jointly organised by the Industrial Development Board of Ceylon and Ramanie Arsecularatne Academy of Beauty and Home Craft.

Minister Peiris said, the minus economic growth in 2001 has been brought to a remarkable 5% growth; Peter Harold of the World Bank has announced that it will get close upon 6% towards the end of the year.

These are significant results achieved for the welfare and prosperity of the people by a careful planning of policies giving preference to people's needs. As a government it is important to identify the areas that need development and prioritise accordingly.

In this exercise we should consider the Fisheries Industry as a priority area, which needs special attention.

At the same time we should not forget the fact that 50% of the country's population constitutes women. We should have special programmes for them.

The government during the last elections forwarded in its manifesto a special programme for women, which is something that was never done before.

This programme involves self-employment projects for women in their homes. Our women should not go to Middle East countries for employment.

A recent newspaper article revealed that per month as much as 25 corpses of women migrant workers are returned to the country. Amidst much difficulty and hardships women leave for the Middle East with the hope of earning a sufficient income. What are the consequences of this? The husbands get involved in various wrongdoings, children go astray. There is a serious situation in the country that has stemmed out of this. Alcohol consumption, sexual harassments and crimes are some of the consequences of mothers leaving their families for employment abroad. What we should do is to work out programmes to keep the mothers with the families while earning an income through self-employment projects. Programmes such as what you are doing today, are of immense service to the nation. On a broader outlook this programme will benefit those from Jaffna to Dondra. Such programmes will also be useful towards communal harmony in the country. An outstanding feature in the government's economic policies is the planning out of programmes with use of natural resources available in the relevant areas. With the fisheries industry in coastal areas such as Beruwela, Negombo, Dondra and Jaffna and tourism and hotel industry, tea, coconut and rubber are suitably located through various economic activities that are launched by the government. Whatever said and done, these are the results and benefits of peace on the ground.

Some say the ceasefire agreement should be destroyed, the government toppled and thereafter the economy has to be re-built.

There are protest rallies, picketing, poster campaigns, etc. Coffins are brought into the Parliament. There are endless allegations and clamour. At such instances I am embarrassed to watch the schoolchildren in the gallery witnessing these scenes.

The Minister stated that the Prime Minister always took up the issue of possible job-providing areas at Cabinet Sub-Committee meetings. Accordingly 1800 jobs will be provided in the banking sector and 33,000 in the BoI sector. The tourism and hotel sector has already provided 23,000 job opportunities. The Minister thanked the organisers, Ramani Arsecularatne and Dr. Bandula Perera for their efforts.

Minister of Fisheries and Oceanic Resources Mahinda Wijesekera said the largest resource in a country is its ocean and fisheries resource. If this resource could be well managed and made use of it would be the best solution for unemployment in the country. We came into power in order to uplift the levels of low-income groups, to make them prosperous and employ those who are unemployed. We must fulfil our promises.

If we are unable to do it we should not be in these ministerial positions. I feel that the people of this country are too independent. The LTTE, the Provincial Councils, the JVP, the public they all say different things one contradicts the other. I feel those ancient Kings should be here to rule this country.

Minister of Mass Communication Imtiaz Bakeer Markar said today's society envies someone who is coming up in life. There is hatred building up. But we should encourage such persons who are struggling to come up. There is peace in the country today after 20 years of war and flames.

Chairman, IDB Dr. Bandula Perera delivered the opening speech. Ramani Arsecularatne addressed the gathering while Jasmine Manapperuma of IDB Technology Services delivered the vote of thanks.

The outstanding performance awards were presented by Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister Imthiaz Bakeer Marcar and Minister Mahinda Wijesekera.

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