Terrorism only barrier to serve mankind - Minister Athaulla

P.B. Kirindeniya, Nawalapitiya group correspondent

It is the ambition of some of the present day political leaders that the prevailing war should go ahead. Prabhakaran, the terrorist leader is fighting not to improve the social and living standard of the Tamils, but for his personal benefits.

It is the Sinhala people who do not allow to end terrorism. Neither the Tamils nor the Muslims have so far betrayed. It seems war is essential for some leaders, said A.L.M. Athaulla, Minister of Water Supply.

He was addressing a public meeting held at Nawalapitiya Urban Council premises. The meeting was held following the ceremonial opening of the gigantic water supply scheme for the town area. The Rs. 3,100 million Town Development Project was launched.

Minister Athaulla said he was happy to commission the water supply project. It was a meritorious act. These basic needs were essential to lead a happy and peaceful life.

People like me went to the Parliament to serve mankind. The only barrier for such things was terrorism. Nothing could be done with terrorism.

If people wanted to make their children's lives happy the first thing they had to wipe off is terrorism. There was a time when pupils of all communities studied in one school. Prabakaran roused separation.

He said in order to gain power most of the Sinhala political leaders made use of terrorism. Therefore it is time for all of us to think that blue, green or red is not the question in the country. These colour bars only ruined the country during the past. It is the only wish of the UNP leader that all the UNP parliamentarians and party supporters work to satisfy the wishes of the party leader, not to develop the country. It is time up for us to stop all the development work in the country and give priority to wipe off terrorism and build a peaceful country for the future generation.

Mr. Gamini Lokuge, Minister of Sports and Public Recreation said it was a pleasure for him to inaugurate the development work of the Jayatilake Stadium, and Rs. 100 million would be spent on it. When the ground is modernised there would be a 400 metre track and the ground would be of international standard.

He said when there is a war in the country the Opposition should support the Government. It is with that intention we joined the Government under Karu Jayasooriya's leadership, it is one of the main duties of the Opposition to help the Government to solve problems like terrorism.

During the time of the UNP the Ceasefire Agreement was signed. During the 2nd world war the Opposition in the British Parliament supported the Government to win the war. If this problem is not solved nobody would be able to rule the country. As such I invite Ranil Wickremesinghe to join the Government and form a National Government. I have not given up the UNP.

Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Areas said that Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage struggled to get an allocation of Rs. 3,100 million for the development of the town. He did it for the sake of the public. His aim was to make Nawalapitiya one of the best cities in the island, providing pure drinking water was a meritorious deed.

Although there are internal problems like terrorism, development work was not barred. Providing water, education, health, highways etc. were continued. It was only terrorism that could divide the country. It was the duty of the public to help the Government to do away with that problem.

Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Minister of Power said that town development work was planned for three to four decades.

During the past there had been no proper plan to develop the town. Discussions were held with the Ministry of Urban Development and plans were made. In the past buildings, offices etc. had not been constructed according to a proper plan.

There was no proper water supply system for the town. From today there will be no water problem in the town. Excess water would be given to villages like Bowwagama, Selam Bridge and Imboolpitiya outside the town.

He said by 2010 Nawalapitiya will be a new town. No illicit constructions will be allowed. Jayatilake Park will be made an international ground. The 50-60-year-old illicit constructions along Dolosbage road will be demolished and the road will be carpeted and widened.

Aluthgamage said a super market will be built in a plot of land belonging to the CGR. The existing Railway Institute will be demolished and a new railway institute built at a cost of Rs. 50 million.

Three overhead bridges will be built in addition to the proposed 120 four storeyed houses in front of the police station on the railway land.

A three storeyed new building will be built to house the police station which is in an old building.

The Gampola-Dolosbage and Nawalapitiya - Creighead roads would be carpeted. When these projects are completed the town will have a new look.