Poverty down to 8 percent - Wimal

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

"The government brought poverty down to 8 percent which stood at 15 percent, through its livelihood development programmes, said Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa.

Speaking at a housing loan distribution ceremony at the Janakala Kendraya yesterday, Minister Weerawansa said that the government never forgets to provide facilities for underprivileged people. Its development programmes are not limited only to the election periods. People used to believe that the government doesn't continue development programmes which were started during the election period, but the present government has succeeded in changing this situation.

"People have the right to select their representatives to Parliament or local government bodies. Sri Lanka is a country which carried forward the universal suffrage for a long period. Sri Lanka is a sovereign State.

Though there are some challenges, the country is going forward to achieve its development goals." he said.

"As we all know, some international elements are trying to create a troublesome situation in Sri Lanka as the President never work according to their agendas .Some NGOs try to create problems in the country to fulfill international requirements. Recent protests proved it.

"People have the right to engage in protests. But protests should not be inhuman. People who engaged in recent protests always attacked the Police.

"These things happen according to someone else's plans." the minister said. The National Housing Development Authority(NHDA) offered low interest loans to 800 families living in the Colombo District.

Ministry secretary Gotabaya Jayaratne, NHDA chairman Jayantha Samaraweera, Divisional Secretaries, Local Government representatives were also present.