Public co-operation essential to build East - Chief Minister

The economy of the Eastern Province should be built up quickly. In order to achieve this target, the co-operation of the public is essential, said Chief Minister, Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan.

The Chief Minister was addressing a ceremony as chief guest conducted by the Multi Purpose Co-operative Society (MPCS) Eravur led by its President, M.I. Ahamed Lebbe to mark the International Co-operative Day at Alrafa Vidyalaya, Eravur.

Addressing the ceremony the Chief Minister said, due to many reasons the Eastern Province has been affected for more than 30 years. We must work hard to develop it forgetting all disparities. The relationship among Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims should be very strong. All contradictions should be eliminated and the ideology of unity and national harmony should be established; petty problems and differences of opinions should not lead towards any rift between the communities.

The duty to build the Eastern province does not rest on one individual; it is the duty of all living in the Eastern Province. The philosophy of the Co-operative movement is 'unity is strength'.

I am happy the Eravur Co-operative Society works 100 percent for the benefit of the community. It has achieved its goals very effectively. The other Co-operative Societies in the Eastern Province should emulate this example.

The effective management is important to run an institution profitably. It is commendable that the Eravur Co-operative Society contains a talented and skillfull management to do any task without difficulties, the Chief Minister said.

Students who were selected to the University and the employees who served more than 25 years in the Co-operative sector and retired officials who had dedicated themselves for the improvement of the Eravur MPCS were honoured and awarded prizes.