Govt saved thousands of lives - President
Rasika SOMARATHNA
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that certain elements with
vested interests were trying to find fault with the country’s
accomplishment of ending terrorism, which caused unprecedented
destruction in the country for over 30 long years.
He noted that there were elements within who send reports detrimental
to the country to earn dollars and petty political mileage.
He pointed out that the government had been able to stop the 30 year
long carnage, save thousands of human lives, create a society in which
everybody could live without fear, rehabilitate youth who were led on
the wrong path and fast track development which was lagging behind for
the last 30 years.
The President emphasized that the government had conducted a
humanitarian mission to save thousands of lives and added that in this
backdrop surfacing of certain allegations on the accomplishment without
substantial proof was unfortunate.
He noted the above addressing over 3,000 midwives at Temple Trees who
had gathered to commemorate International Midwifery Day – 2011.
He noted that the government was now fully focused on rebuilding the
destroyed infrastructure and fast tracking development which was lagging
behind.
He said that the Government had the determination to face any
challenge and was committed to stand up to its responsibility of taking
the country forward.
In this backdrop he said that the Government appreciates the stand
taken by the people to support its endeavours with one voice. He also
urged all to act prudently with the best interest of the country in
mind.
On the service rendered by Midwives President Mahinda Rajapaksa said
the country appreciated the excellent service provided by them and added
they had a responsibility in helping the mother to raise a healthy and
productive child.
He also said that Sri Lanka had emerged as one of the top country’s
in the region when it came to child and maternity care. He also
highlighted the fact of midwife Lalitha Padmini emerging as one of the
top four in her profession in a global competition and added that the
midwife fraternity could be proud of these achievements.
He also advised them to concentrate on alleviating mal-nutrion among
children.
The President told them to use their influence at village level to
convince people on the value of cultivating food crops in their home
gardens. This in turn could effectively contribute to the enhancement of
nutritional levels of the family, specially the mother and the child, he
added. The event was organized by the Government Midwifery Service
Association. The theme of this year was an efficient midwifery service
for safe motherhood.
Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Dr. Umanga Sooriyarachchi,
Midwifery Association Secretary Devika Kodituwakku, Chairman, State
Services Trade Union, W.H. Piyadasa too addressed the gathering.
Awards were presented to several midwives for their outstanding
contributions, including Lalitha Padmini who rose to international fame
due to her achievements. |