Vast strides in highway development

Disna Mudalige

No government in the recent history put so much energy and effort in the construction of highways as it happens today, External Affairs Minister Prof. G L Peiris said.

He said that the most important single factor which contributes to uplift the quality of life of people is the road network in a country.

He was addressing the Sri Lanka Institution of Engineers Induction and Graduation Ceremony 2010 held at Waters Edge last Friday. “Thousands of kilometres of roads have been constructed.

“The Indian government is helping us build three railroad systems in the North. Chinese Government is helping in the construction of the Southern Highway, Colombo- Katunayaka highway, Norochcholai Power Plant, Maththala International Airport and Hambantota Port.

“All these are taking place at the same time”, he said.

He mentioned that the Engineers’ role is paramount and indispensable in the country’s post war scenario when new vistas of development have opened up.

“Obtaining the services of its professionals and intellectuals to rebuild the nation, the Engineers in particular is crucial. The development can be measured by its impact upon people’s life.

Tremendous work has been initiated in power, irrigation, telecommunication, transport and information technology for this purpose.

“The Government as envisioned in the Mahinda Chinthana policies, is fully committed to nurture indigenous industries. ‘We encourage and empower them to grow in a manner the nation will benefit by long-term sustainable development. It is in this context, that the professional knowledge and excellence, talent leadership, innovative skills are sought for, more than ever before, in an effective, economical and patriotic manner in the infrastructure development of our motherland”, he noted.

He also expressed that the country is proud of the progress it is making today.

“We are experiencing an economic growth of about seven percent. Our vision is not only to increase the momentum of that growth but also to ensure the improvement of quality of life. For that expansion of infrastructure into the rural areas is necessary.

“It is at this point the Engineers of this country have a greater role to play”, the Minister added.

During this ceremony, 233 newly inducted Charted Engineers were offered their certificates and awards. Five schoolchildren who won ‘Junior Inventor of the Year 2010’ were awarded scholarships and 12 IESL Engineering graduates were offered certificates at this occasion.