Top priority for health service- Dy minister

M A R Manukulasooriya- Hiriyala group corr

The government has given top priority to the health service. Rs 73 billion has been allocated to the development of the health service by the budget, said Health Deputy Minister Lalith Dissanayake.

The Deputy Minister said so at a function at the Ridee Vihara Maha Vidyalaya, Rideegama to mark the birthday and the second term of high office of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The event was organised by the "Nilwala Foundation", Dodangaslanda. Ten health clinics were held and medicine issued free. About 2,000 food parcels were distributed among elderly persons.

The Deputy Minister said Sri Lanka's economic problems were not so crucial as the acute crises faced by the capitalist western world.

This was due to the sensible and balanced economic policy followed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Finance Minister. "Although terrorism was eradicated, certain local and foreign elements are trying to tarnish the image of the country in various ways.

The President has the strength to face any challenge," he said.

Founder of the Nilwala Foundation and MP for Kurunegala Nimal Wijesinghe said Rs 350 million has been allocated by the government for the development work of the Dodangaslanda electorate.

Provincial Director of Health Services H M S K Ratnayake and several others also spoke.