Development on track despite fight against terror - PM

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

This is the only Government which is seriously fighting to defeat terrorism while continuing development, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said yesterday.

"We have released funds for the development of health and education sectors while at the same time fighting a costly war," the Premier said at a function to vest 400 housing units among Government servants.

The Hosing units have been constructed at Jalthara in Homagama for Government Servants by the Ministry of Housing and Common Amenities with Korean assistance. "Though the Government is engaged in defeating terrorism it has taken steps to ensure rapid development in every sector.

"Ports, an International Airport, Hydropower projects, coal power projects, highways and many more large scale development programmes and infrastructure facilities are under way while we are going all out to wipe out terrorism. The people in the East are experiencing peace since the Government was able to defeat terrorism in the area," the Prime Minister said.

"Moves are under way to construct more houses for the people since the Government has understood that the housing requirements should be fulfilled. Another 300 houses would be built at the same location under phase two of this housing project, the Premier said. The Government's main concern is to upgrade the living standards of people," he added.

He said that the Government has decided to introduce the Provincial Council system for the North and the East. It is already operating in the rest of the country. "It is regrettable that some groups are opposing it. They have forgotten that the Provincial Council is operational in other parts of the country".

Under the Mahinda Chinthana the Government has taken every possible step to reach the target of 'A house for each family'.

"The Government has been engaging in completing the housing requirements of people," Minister of Housing and Common Amenities Ferial Ashraff said.