Sustainable development can be achieved through unity - Local Government Minister

Mohammed Naalir

Local Government and Provincial Council Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon said doing public service is the bounden duty of a democratically elected people's representative and only through serving the public can such a representative sustain oneself in the field.

He said the public have the authority to recall their representative from his position when he or she fails to fulfil their needs. "We all must love our country irrespective of race, caste and religious differences. Sustainable development could be achieved by the unity of diverse communities.

Addressing the newly elected people's representatives from nine local Government bodies of the Batticaloa district after inaugurating a two day workshop at Hotel Taj Samudra, Minister Tennakoon said there are sufficient resources to develop our country. 'These resources must be utilised in a proper way to achieve sustainable development," the Minister added.

Chairmen, Deputy Chairpersons and Members of Pradhesiya Shabas and Municipal Councils participated in the two day workshop.

Minister Tennakoon said no representative will be entitled to utilise the funds for their own sake. Funds must be used but for the welfare of those who elected you. Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Karu Jayasooriya said due to terrorist activities the fundamental rights of the innocent community had been violated for the past 14 years.

"The Batticaloa District Local Government election has given a new lease of life to the community. It can be considered as a turning point in the political history of Sri Lanka. It paves the way for the development of the province, the Minister said.