Seethawaka PS gets new building complex:

Long term - socio economic development Govt’s aim

Rasika Somarathna

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said the Government was looking ahead at achieving long-term socio-economic development in line with people’s expectations. “Fulfilling people’s expectations and enabling them to lead happy and contended lives is our prime objective. We are committed to achieve this,” he said.

“In achieving our objectives we should not only think about today but should focus on where we are going to be in 20 years and plan accordingly.” The President was addressing the gathering after opening a new building complex to house the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha in Hanwella. The President told those who had gathered to witness the occasion that the people’s political representatives should be fully aware of masses’ expectations and should be committed to fulfil them.

He said facilities such as new buildings would be of no avail if they were not utilized to provide the people the service they desired.

President Rajapaksa said during his short span in office which was less than five years the Government had taken strong and unwavering decisions on behalf of the country and its people.

“We never said no and cant and this positive attitude has paid rich dividends today,” he added.

President Rajapaksa said the Government had taken straight forward decisions in not only executing the humanitarian operation to liberate the masses from terror but had applied the same modus-operandi when faced with development challenges.

He said the implementation of Norochcholai and Upper Kotmale power generation projects, five new harbours, airports, roads etc. which were lagging behind previously due to lack of a strong administrative as prime examples. The President said the Government was focused on achieving high standards in education and morale development to produce productive and erudite citizens. He said the Government had today laid a strong foundation to achieve long-term socio-economic development.

The fact is even acknowledged in international spheres the President said pointing out to the latest report released by the World Economic Forum on Global competitiveness in which Sri Lanka (jumped 17 places up from last year) had been rated as the second highest gainer in the world.

The new building complex (first stage) vested with the public yesterday has being built at a cost of Rs 28 million.

The second stage is to be implemented shortly.

Ministers Susil Premajayantha, Bandula Gunawardena, Dinesh Gunawardena, Gamini Lokuge and Western PC Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunge, Seethawaka PS members and Deputy Minister Geethanjana Gunawardena also participated.

Seethawaka PS Chairman Lawyer Ravindra Jayasinghe also spoke.