Govt. to ensure fiscal discipline in public sector

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa said better management techniques and financial discipline was being introduced into institutions under Government control together with extensive review and implementation process.

President Rajapaksa was speaking at the CIMA business leaders summit 2006 at the BMICH on Thursday. The President making his speech via satellite transmission from Temple Trees, pointed out that all Government Ministries, departments and projects are being regularly monitored and evaluated.

President Rajapaksa said there was today an urgent need for all to focus on how to unlock hidden talents, resources and potential of our people and our country.

The President said:

"As we know, Sri Lanka has a proud and long history of over 2,500 years. During such period, our country and its people have been generally considered to be highly civilised, skilled and literate. However, over the past few centuries, perhaps due to foreign intervention, we may have lost some part of our ability to develop rapidly and keep pace with the rest of the world. As a result, we have not been able to establish our rightful place as a developed Nation from an economic standpoint.

But now, I truly believe that we as a Nation have the ability to progress and develop rapidly. We have the potential to succeed and excel. Let me cite a few reasons for my bold comment. As you know, over the past six months, my Government was able to successfully commence many projects that were stalled and blocked for several years.

The new coal power plant which is one of the single largest projects in the history of our country, is now on track. The construction activities on the Southern Expressway is continuing with renewed vigour. Work on the Katunayake Expressway has commenced.

Projects such as the Hambantota Port, Weerawila Airport, and other mega projects on power, water, tourism, industries, property development, drainage, ports, roads and irrigation are well on the way towards commencement soon.

Over the next few years, I would really like to see new enterprises being established in all parts of our country; our small enterprises being converted into medium sized ones; our medium sized enterprises being transformed into large-scale business institutions; our large-scale companies being expanded to become regional and international players.

Let us therefore work together to position Sri Lanka as a visible and vibrant player in the local and global business arena.

In these activities, my Government would be ready to assist you. On your part, we would be happy if you find ways and means to unlock your own potential as proposed in your conference theme.

Mr. Chairman, your organisation's success undoubtedly would contribute to our country's success. Your contribution would enable you to create wealth and reduce poverty in our country. Your efforts would lead to a better and brighter Sri Lanka. "