President tells officials to make best use of public funds

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said it is the responsibility of politicians and state officials to make best use of public funds for numerous development activities. The President was addressing the Matale District Development Committee meeting at the Matale Municipal Council auditorium yesterday. The President said every one is duty bound to make his utmost contribution to society and the country.

"Similarly, public funds should be utilized carefully for the betterment of the country to gain maximum returns and productivity.

The President instructed politicians not to commence development activities or lay foundation stones for projects unless they can be completed.

He noted that it is up to politicians and relevant officials to complete development projects on time.

President Rajapaksa further said they should also adopt a better environment policy.

"There is no doubt the environment should be protected while allowing people to carry out their day-to-day life," the President added.

"Environment pregrammes and policies should not hamper the normal daily routine of people," he noted.

"Wildlife and the humans should be protected by the environment and wildlife protecting regulations," he said.

The President ordered state officials to find immediate solutions to certain issues affecting several areas, such as, drinking water, farming, health, education etc. He advised the political authority and state officials to devise plans to construct a fully equipped General Hospital for Matale and also made reference to road development, electrification, agriculture, communication etc.

The President advised officials to grow indigenous plants,such as, Jak, breadfruit to replace pinus trees. "When pinus plantations are gradually removed, valuable indigenous plants that protect the environment could be grown," he added.