Medical Officers’ Assn support President

Chaminda PERERA

Registered and Assistant Medical Officers Association members yesterday expressed their solidarity to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the first time since its inception in the early 50s.

Addressing these medical officers, President Rajapaksa said the Government gave top priority to the health and education sectors while dealing with one of the most barbaric and ruthless terrorist outfits in the world.

The Government has increased the allocation to the health and education sectors every year.

“We are not prepared to cripple the free health and education sectors in the country.”

He said the Government strengthened the University system in the country.

“We should protect the younger generation. They should be made healthy and intelligent to face the country’s future challenges,” he said.

“We have created ample opportunities for the younger generation to go forward,” he said. The Government upgraded the Open University and Distance Education Service so that students can get maximum benefits.

The benefits of development projects such as Norochcholai coal power plant, Kerawalapitiya thermal power plant and Hambantota harbour are derived by the younger generation. They should be made stable economically.

He said the country’s economy will receive a tremendous impetus with the completion of Hambantota harbour and Sri Lanka will be able to attract thousands of ships passing Hambantota due to this project.

President Rajapaksa said there will be no use of having a developed country, if our younger generation does not inherit moral values.

“Development will serve nor purpose if our younger generation is involved in activities detrimental to our culture and age-old traditions and moral values,” he said.

The President said the Government has made every possible effort to create a well cultured society by eliminating various social evils.

Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Engineering Services Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana and Association Secretary Dr. Mahinda Liyanage also spoke.