Government's aim to increase per capita income

Kelum BODHIMANA Thihagoda special corr

The main objective of the Government is to increase per capita income to an equivalent of 4000 US dollars by developing the rural sector and the tourist industry which has shown immense growth potential in recent times, said Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

The Minister said so addressing a meeting which followed the opening of the new head office building of the Southern Development Authority costing Rs 1,120 million at Matara recently. Minister Rajapaksa said already a large number of new direct and indirect employment avenues have opened with the development seen in the Tourism industry. Tourism also helped to strengthen the economy due to the inflow of foreign exchange.

The Government which ended the 30 year war by defeating terrorism has now embarked on a massive development war by launching work on several parts, an international Airport and a highways network and all these projects beckoned a prosperous future for the country. SDA Chairman Ranjith Gunasekara also spoke.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Youth Affairs Minister Dallas Alahapperuma and Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena were also present.