Go right ahead on development path

SRI LANKA'S development drive is getting into top gear despite the problems posed by LTTE - inspired violence and this is something the citizenry could be happy about.

It is important for the health of the nation and its well being that the rulers and the ruled be in buoyant mood and the series of development projects being undertaken by the Government is proof of this.

In other words, it is business as usual, the bombs and bullets notwithstanding. This is as it should be because a public mood of despondence would prove that the LTTE's terror campaign is taking effect.

In fact the Tigers would be hoping that such an enervating spirit would overtake the people and render them hopelessly inactive and apathetic. This would spell economic and material ruin for Sri Lanka and the LTTE would feel exhilarated at this prospect.

However, this is definitely not to be because the Government is showing in no uncertain terms that it is going right ahead with the development process. Cabinet approval granted to a series of major development projects on Monday, more than amply proves the point. Terror will be faced and tackled by the State but this in no way would be allowed to get in the way of development.

Of special note is a Cabinet paper submitted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the construction of housing projects in Kalmunai and Sainthamaruthu for tsunami - affected families.

This is a most timely measure, which, besides meeting an urgent need of the population groups concerned, would also help greatly in strengthening national integration and unity. As should be known, the areas concerned are peopled mainly by the Muslim community.

It is also gladdening to note that the education authorities are attaching top priority to the development of library and information services in the public school system.

Cabinet has granted approval for the recruitment of teachers for the subject, 'School Library and Information Science' and this is proof of the positive thinking currently permeating our educational authorities and the related institutions.

There is no better way to establish the foundation for civilized living than through literacy and education and we are glad this truth is recognized.

Inspired thinking is coming our way from the Posts and Telecommunication Ministry and we hope the example set by it would be followed by other State institutions in this country.

Posts and Telecommunications Minister D. M. Jayaratne is seeking to construct a new building to house the Ministry which is currently located at the exorbitantly costly World Trade Centre. By moving to its own building, the Ministry would be saving around Rs. 33 million annually.

Therefore, the country could be said to be getting on with the process of development. This sanguine spirit, we hope, would endure.

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