Unity bolsters development

Dehiowita special correspondent

President Mahinda Rajapaksa wanted to strengthen the local bodies by devolving power. This move will create a strong society. Development is possible only when the people are united, Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister A L M Athaulla said.

The Minister made these views after laying the foundation stone for a multi-purpose Market Complex at the Dehiowita town recently. The construction of the first phase of the building costs Rs 103.8 million.

Minister Athaulla said even though D S Senanayake got freedom to Sri Lanka, the real freedom was achieved under President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He crushed terrorism from Sri Lankan soil and made way for free movement of the people. There was a time when the people could not travel to Ampara after dusk. Today they can go to Akkaraipattu in the night without any problem. Farmers can engage in their cultivation at any time of the day. Fishermen can go to sea any time. President's predecessors did not love the country and the people. They used their power to strengthen their domain. President Rajapaksa fought for justice and democracy. He won the hearts of minority communities.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said, if not for President Mahinda Rajapaksa's action the budget would have been presented leaving the North and the East. The budget is a stage to convert the country into the Wonder of Asia, the goal of the president. Ancestors' feat of engineering marvelled westerners. Canals, tanks, built by them speak of their skills and brilliance.

The people could not complete with them since their backbones were broken. The country did not have a correct leader to lead the people.

Dehiowita PS Chairman K A Amila Ruwan also spoke.