Co-operative best model for any economy

Wehelle Piyathilake, Maharagama special correspondent

The Co-operative Movement is the best model of economy that can prevail healthily with capitalism, socialism on free trade economy without any indifference in the present day, said Minister of Trade Commerce and Co-operatives Bandula Gunawardena.

He was speaking at a ceremony held at Maharagama Urban Council conference hall organised by Colombo district Sanasa Maha Sangamaya to felicitate its chairman Danison Weerasuriya for his 34 years benevolent service rendered for the uplift of the Co-operative philosophy in Sri Lanka.

The Minister said: As Lord Buddha preached poojacha poojaneeyanam, the people to be felicitated should be felicitated. Then only we can assure more and more service from them.

Weerasuriya is an example for social service. Nearly half of his life had devoted for the good and prosperity of other people. Even though to-day all the blames and criticisms comes to the people who are working towards the society.

I am being always blamed by the people as I am working hard for the good of the people. I do not mind any blame, any criticism even though I lose my ministry tomorrow.

I will do my best to fulfil the task and the responsibility given to me by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Weerasuriya was felicitated by awarding Samupa Deepani at the last world co-operative day held at the BMICH. Weerasuriya was honoured by presenting a memento by the co-operators in the Colombo district.

Mahanayake Thera of Amarapura Maha Nikaya. Aggamaha Panditha Ven. Dauldena Gnaniswara thera and Anunayaka thera of Amarapura Dharmarakshita Nikaya Ven. Thirikunamale Ananda thera and the Chairman of Maharagama Urban Council, and the Provincial Secretary, Maharagama Secretariat Chandraratne Pallegama were also present.