'Co-op Movement regains strength'

Milton Dharmasinghe Bulathsinhala spl corr

All Multi-Purpose Co-op Societies in Sri Lanka that were running with financial difficulties have been given a new life by President Mahinda Rajapaksa by providing Rs. two million from the budget. It was the first time in the history of Co-op sector to receive financial assistance from the Budget, Education Services Minister Nirmala Kotalawala said in Bulathsinhala.

The Minister was speaking at a meeting to open the new co-op city centre in Bulathsinhala recently.

Kotalawala said, President Rajapaksa is a leader who put into practice all what he said and he wants to reawaken all co-op societies in Sri Lanka.

He wants to develop the Co-op Movement as he had been the Chairman in the co-op Society, the Minister said.

"There was a period when the co-op sector was completely neglected and many societies had to survive with losses. But now the co-op sector is able to start new ventures and increase their revenue," he added.

For the progress of the Bulathsinhala area, mutual relationship among co-op society, Pradeshiya Sabha and political authority is vital. Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Co-op Development WP A. Rawayake, Assistant Commissioner of Co-op Department Kalutara Upul Shantha, Chairman Bulathsinhala PS Thusitha Kularatna and Chairman Bulathsinhala MPCS A. D. Udaya Kumara also spoke.