Obtain villagers’ contribution for rural development projects - President

Rohan Mathes

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday underscored the importance of obtaining the villagers’ contribution and co-operation in all rural development projects of the country.

President Rajapaksa was of the view that by the establishment of Jana Sabha and obtaining the contribution of the rural folk, they could expect a broad-based and organised institutional structure.

“This entails the concept of building one’s village by themselves,” he said. Speaking during discussion with Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry officials at Temple Trees, President Rajapaksa pointed out that one should always seek to work for the betterment and prosperity of the villagers and not for mere narrow political gains.

“In infrastructure development, especially in village road development, they should never resort to sub-standard, temporary measures, but construct fully concreted durable roads instead,” he said.

“Village development should be of high priority in the country’s development. Infrastructural development and the uplift of villagers’ livelihoods should also be of paramount importance.

“The contribution of Samurdhi Officers and Managers should also be obtained”, the President said. President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry Secretary W. K. K. Kumarasiri and senior officials participated.