PM on assuming duties says:

Unite to achieve economic, social development

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne signing a document after officially assuming duties at the Prime Minister’s Office last morning. Picture by Sudath Nishantha

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne yesterday stated that it was clear that there were so much foreign influences inimical to the country and that all should unite irrespective of their political and other differences to overcome all such obstacles in achieving economic and social development.

Officially assuming duties as Prime Minister at an auspicious time at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday Jayaratne said that if all the political parties worked together on the same agenda in respect of the development of the country Sri Lanka could be the Miracle of Asia in a short period. Addressing the media the Prime Minister stated that the wish of President Mahinda Rajapaksa was to make this country the most developed and self sustained country as soon as possible making this land a haven for the people of this country and the younger generation.

He pledged his fullest support to the President in his next major endeavour to develop the country in the aftermath of the elimination of the 30 year LTTE terrorism creating an atmosphere for all communities to live as one family.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said that unlike in most countries in the world, Sri Lanka is blessed with an educated and intelligent population so that making the dream of developing the country a reality was not difficult.

He also stated that the public service has a pivotal role to play in the attempt of steering the country towards development.

The Prime Minister speaking of his appointment to the Office of Prime Minister said that he never considered it as a crown but as a vindication of the people’s trust and pledged to dedicate himself to serve the nation through his high office.The Prime Minister assumed duties at a humble ceremony after religious observances.

Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister John Seneviratne, Posts and Telecommunications Deputy Minister Duminda Dissanayake and North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake also were present at the occasion.