Equitable distribution of benefits, Govt’s hallmark - Prof G L Peiris

Sri Lanka defied all odds and maintains an annual economic growth rate of around eight percent due to the farsighted economic plan with an emphasis on equal distribution of economic resources to all parts of the country, External Affair Minister Prof G L Peiris said.

The Minister made these observations addressing Hambantota District S L F P Professionals, as part of a series of seminars organized throughout the country to explain the role of professionals, in the broader program of developing the country.

The Minister said the victory over the LTTE, paving the way to lasting peace, along with political stability have contributed to the economic growth of the country.

Prof Peiris said professionals should create a strong public opinion to rally around the Government for development. Teachers are in a privileged position when it comes to building a public opinion as they can reach the broader masses.

The Minister said there are many challenges that lie ahead of the country. The major challenge is to safeguard the victory over terrorism. LTTE supporters are working from distant lands, to pull down the country’s economy. They are conspiring to prevent Sri Lankan products from reaching Western markets, to stop the tourists who would like to visit the country, and to taken the political leadership to an international war crimes tribunal. The President has appointed the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission to find the root causes of the conflict in a manner that suits the country. A committee comprising Secretaries from seven ministries has also been appointed to implement the recommendations of the Commission, the Minister said.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Parliamentarians Namal Rajapaksa and Rosha Ranasingha also addressed the meeting at Ambalantota.