President personally reviews development programs -Minister

Suraj A. Bandara

Eventhough being the President of a country with a tight schedule the development programs of all districts is personally reviewed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa unlike any other ruler before him, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

He was addressing a function held to develop the Hathamuna natural fountain in Polonnaruwa as a tourists zone. The Hathamuna fountain never went dry even during most severe droughts," the Minster said.

He further noted that the personal initiative of the President to see development in every nook and corner of the country should be appreciated by all. No leader of this country in recent history could match this dedication and commitment to review the progress of the districts and its development projects personally. He said President Rajapaksa paid a three day visit to the Polonnaruwa district to inspect its progress. He never intended to hold meetings for political benefits but only to see the development process in each district.

"We have never heard of a President or a Prime Minister spending three days in a single district to witness its progress," he added.

The Minister asserted the desire of the President was to inspect all tasks personally and minimize shortcomings. The President will go down in history as the first leader who was personally involved in enhancing the living standards of the people, he said. "We, being elected politicians and representatives of the people should work honestly to back the President's move to take this country to the summit of development. All politicians are obliged to serve the nation. The President's objective is to accelerate the development drive. It is our duty and obligation to assist him at this hour."

This is a transition period in history. After November, the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa begins with a new challenge, he added.