Special Projects Ministry launched on self-dependence motto

Rasika Somarathna

COLOMBO: Special Projects Minister Mahinda Wijesekera yesterday vowed to usher in a new culture of self-dependence in his newly carved out Ministry instead of 'waiting for every single rupee from the Treasury'.

The Ministry for Special Projects commenced work yesterday with the promise of embarking on a new journey to propagate development by alleviating poverty through new and innovative projects.

Minister-in-Charge Mahinda Wijesekera who presided over a ceremony at their new office in the West Tower of the World Trade Centre building, said his Ministry had no boundaries and he was open to all suggestions.

"I have already received several viable project proposals from many individuals and organisations. In addition, several projects were in the pipeline prepared by my staff", the Minister added.

Describing the biggest challenge ahead was to find funds for his Ministry, the Minister said he was looking into the possibilities of getting the much needed funds through local and foreign investors.

Reiterating his ambition to work for the uplift of the masses, Wijesekera said his sole objective and that of the other UNF MPs who crossed over to the Government was to help the present Government to carry the country towards peace and prosperity.

He added there was no point in just being a Minister if he was unable to contribute to the development process of the country and added that any elected political party should strive to uphold their promises to the people for the greater good of the nation.