Oil deposits will be used for developing whole country - PM

PRIME MINISTER Mahinda Rajapakse taking part in the "Subharathi" Programme of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation aired yesterday morning pledged to use the newly identified oil deposit in the coastal belt for the economic uplift of the entire country, including the war-torn North-East.

Prime Minister told the interviewer that as President, he would bring about an environment capable of gallantly combatting the challenges against poverty alleviation through solidarity and cooperation among the people.

The Premier expressing his vision vowed to usher in a society free of racial, religious and communal differences where terrorism will be completely uprooted. That is the basic factor essential to the national identify and freedom of the people of Sri Lanka, he said.

He emphasised that he considered it incumbent on his part to safeguard the rights of every citizen in an atmosphere of freedom and peace with dignity.

He would revitalise the programmes of Oceanic University, Fisheries Harbour and Vocational Training initiated by him when he was the Minister of Fisheries and Labour and which were completely abandoned after the UNP came in to power in 2001.

He also emphasised his intention to implement a welfare programme for the benefit of artistes.