CP's Health Ministry records 40% progress

by. L.B. Wijayasiri in Kandy

Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake told a recent meeting of the Central Provincial Council that 40 per cent progress had been recorded with regard to the Ministry of Health of the Councils work and they were hoping to achieve a 90 per cent progress by the end of September this year.

Chairman D. Madiyugaraja presided when the Council met at the assembly hall, Pallekele.

Chief Minister Ekanayake said steps would be taken to see that the private and CTB bus services were operated on a combined time table to avoid inconveniences caused to the commuters.

His attention had also been drawn to the fact that members were being subjected to pain of mind due to the activities of some officials of Ministries. He would take steps to remedy that situation, the chief Minister said.

Members W.M. Yasamana (PA) and Sanjeewa Kaviratne (UNP) said a situation has arisen in which income derived from rivers came under the purview of Provincial Councils which should have gone to the Provincial Councils were being collected by other authorities like Mining Authority. Since PCs were being denied of their income, steps should be taken to remedy that too.

Member Kaviratne also said the Government had published a gazette notification declaring that no permits were required to fell and transport Satin, Teak, Halmilla and Eucalyptus timber. The Council should object to that since it would lead to a major destruction of trees and the environment in the central hills.

Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake said the Government would be made aware of it. Upcountry Peoples Front Member S. Arulsamy also spoke.