President tells ministers, MPs:

Implement programmes that benefit people

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday requested ministers and MPs to dedicate themselves towards implementing a development programme which brings tangible benefits to the people. He said in certain parts of the country development seems to be restricted to areas around the main roads which normally catches the eye without reaching the areas inland.

The President who was addressing a meeting of all Ministers and MPs representing the government to ascertain their views and suggestions in formulating the 2013 Budget also emphasised the need for a programme to create public awareness about the massive development programmes implemented by the government.A press release by the President's Media Unit said Ministers and MPs made several vital suggestions for solving problems and difficulties encountered by the people and accelerating the development programme.

President Rajapaksa who pointed out that the government is engaged in implementing a vast amount of work towards the welfare of the people said these covered a very wide area including health education and infrastructure facilities. By creating an awareness among the people about it they could uplift the peoples pride and dignity.

He said Ministers and MPs should dedicate themselves to implement development schemes by truly identifying people's needs by moving with them added that emphasised that all development projects for which allocations had been made should be implemented without delay. He said Ministers and MPs should strive to fulfill all pledges and promises made to the people. The residents also drew attention to the environmental damage caused in the county on the guise of development and directed officials to investigate unsystematic felling of trees taking place in road development and electricity supply work.

Discussions were also held on matters concerning the development of main cities, improving the quality of pre-school education, small tank rehabilitation, conservation of special archaeological sites and earning added income by providing facilities to tourists, establishment of an Aviation Service Training Institute, solutions for problems which have cropped up at the National Film Corporation, upgrading inland fishery industry and maximising income generated from resources fund in state lands.

All Ministers and Government MPs, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge Finance Ministry Secretary Dr P B Jayasundera and other Ministry Secretaries and State Officials attended the meeting.