Everyone should support development process - Mahanayake Theras

Asela KURULUWANSA and Indika POLKOTUWA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who eliminated terrorism is very keen to develop the country. Towards this objective, everyone should extend his support and strengthen the hands of the President, said Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddha Rakkitha Thera said.

The Chief Prelate made these comments when Minister of Export Development and International Trade Prof. G.L. Peiris called on him and received his blessings in Kandy yesterday.

"We could have easily solved the terrorist problem which went on for three decades, if certain leaders who ruled the country were sincere and honest.

This Government has launched massive development projects despite huge sums of money spent on the war. These efforts must be well appreciated," the Ven. Mahanayake Thera said.

"Road development in the country during the past few years assumed large proportions. In this task, people also must lend a helping hand even by sacrificing a few inches of their land.

Certain people don't have the interest to develop the country. They don't implement certain projects as advised. That's why these bridges and culverts collapse at times.

Certain people also carry anti-propaganda against the country. Our ambassadors have a big role to play to dispel those wrong notions. At the same time, it needs to be stressed that certain ambassadors also have failed in their duties, the Chief Prelate said.

The Minister also paid a courtesy call on the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwathu Chapter Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera and received the prelates blessings.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Prelate of the Malwatte Chapter said that the security measures in the country should not be relaxed immediately despite the restoration of peace.

Minister Professor Peiris said that the recent grant of the massive loan to the country by the IMF has given a good impression of the country to the international community. After the restoration of peace here, several countries have shown an interest to invest in Sri Lanka. We can spend more funds on development. We will be able to pass on maximum benefit to the people in the future, Professor Peiris said.