Govt's mission to eradicate terrorism - Prime Minister

Chaminda PERERA

BATTARAMULLA: Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake scoffed at the idea that the Government should give up the areas acquired so far to make way for peace.

The Premier was speaking at the re-launch of products produced by BCC Lanka Limited at the Agriculture Ministry Auditorium at Battaramulla recently.

"Some say that we should give up what we acquired so far to make way for peace. We are not invading a foreign country. The Government's mission to eradicate terrorism and safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity is in progress.

People should be ready to face any challenge in this endeavour in future with patience. This is our motherland. This is a sovereign State in which every citizen irrespective of their race and religion should have freedom and equal rights, the Premier said.

The services of Armed Forces in the protection of the country are invaluable. Their services away from their children, loved ones should be recognised and honoured.

The Premier said development should not be confined to Colombo and suburbs. It should reach the rural masses, the downtrodden equally. The partition of coconut lands has brought down production drastically. There should be a proper plan to address this issue and arrest the situation.

A committee headed by me is looking into State enterprises running at loss. We will explore how to run them effectively without burden to the Treasury, Wickremanayake said.

The Premier made particular emphasis to manufacture finished products. The finished products lead to achieve great market share, he said.

The Premier unveiled the poster, illustrating the range of company's products to mark the occasion. Coconut Development Minister Salinda Dissanayake, BCC Lanka Limited Chairman and former Parliamentarian S.A.R. Maddumabandara also spoke. Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Plantation Industries Minister Milroy Fernando, Agrarian Services Minister S.M. Chandrasena and Railways Development Minister Mahinda Amaraweera were present.