Walawe Left Bank project begins
 

Rohan Mathes reporting from Hambantota

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse ceremonially inaugurated stage IV of the Walawe Left Bank Development Project at New Mayurapura, Hambantota yesterday on the invitation of Mahaweli and Rajarata Development Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

The Premier also handed over the New Mayurapura School Complex, constructed at a cost of Rs. 45 million by the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka to the Education and Chief Minister of the Southern Province Shan Wijayalal de Silva.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the Premier pointed out that the last UNP regime had totally neglected and abandoned such projects based on rural agricultural development, which benefitted the farming community of the Hambantota region.

He said that 5793 families will benefit from this Walawe project, by getting lands and better livelihoods. They would also get school with all modern facilities, to give their children a quality education.

"During the UNP regime, these lands in the Hambantota region were to be deployed for other industrial projects. We who had faith in the development of agriculture, filed a Cabinet paper to reverse the process and commenced the Walawe project", he said.

'Free education' which C. W. W. Kannangara introduced in his time will be taken forward, despite the attempts of some who are trying to privatise it for commercial gains.

Our main focus is to enhance the living standard of the farming community. The Walawe project was devised for this. Suriyawewa is one of the 50 most poorest areas in the country. The living standards of the people will change with the implementation of the project soon.

Steps will also be taken to construct the Hambantota Port which had been retarded by the UNP. On her forthcoming visit to China President Chandrika Kumaratunga will discuss with the Chinese government, when they could commence constructing the port. Minister Mangala Samaraweera will fast-track the construction.

Premier Rajapakse underscored the importance of adopting a 'middle path' to achieve a permanent and honourable peace, while maintaining discipline and justice in the society. All communities should be able to live in harmony without fear.

He opined that one could not be an established politician sans becoming a victim of 'mud slinging'. This he said was normal and unavoidable. "I am well used to it. I gather more strength to forge ahead victoriously. It is the trees which bear good fruit, that are targeted", he said.

Rajapakse added that all the honour and prestige as Prime Minister was owed to the people of Ruhuna, and he will do all he could for their prosperity.

He also thanked the Japanese government for their assistance. Mahaweli and Rajarata Development Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Urban Development Deputy Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Plantations Deputy Minister Chamal Rajapakse and Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Akio Suda also addressed the rally.