Govt will accelerate development after polls

Suraj A. Bandara

The decisions taken by the people from time to time, makes it abundantly clear that they don't like to see slow pace in development. The Government will accelerate the development mechanism following the April 8 election. A sustainable development in the country is in the offing, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said.

He was speaking at a ceremony held to initiate work on the administrative building for the Horana Development Project.

The project of Horana City Development will conclude in 2012. Rs 350 million has been allocated for this project.

The Prime Minister stressed on the need of an irrigation project for Kaluganga to make the maximum use of the water and to prevent the flood threat in low lying areas and for the cultivation of around 7,000 acres in the area.

The Premier said the support by Horana Municipal Council Mayor Somasiri Gamage who represents the Opposition is significant to develop Horana city. "Differences are irrelevant in the process of development and we all must work hard to meet the targets without any prejudice.

"Many say the prices of all goods should be brought down since there is no longer a war in the country. It is true that terrorism has ended," he said.

"But we had to borrow equipment to end terrorism.

"The money borrowed has not been paid yet. It is not possible to reduce all prices at once," the Prime Minister said.

"The Government has offered tax concessions for both the government and private sectors. We have given them the opportunity to come forward. But we should be honest. If the private sector goes on the wrong path we will not fail to intervene," the Premier said.

"The village should be developed on par with the city. We are on the verge of a stable economic development. In the past, we had a fertile land which was nourished with carbonic compost.

"But due to long term effects of chemical fertilizer, it has become infertile. Even crop-friendly creatures like caterpillars cannot be seen now.

"If we want to conquer the economic war we have to say goodbye to chemical fertilizer and the land should be fertile with more carbonic elements.

"All these projects have been earmarked and we will be able to produce our requirements within our soil in the near future," the Premier added.

Urban Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Horana SLFP organizer Vidura Wickramanayaka, Local Government Secretary Kasian Herath and Horana Municipal Council Mayor Somasiri Gamage also participated.