'Capitalists, middle class vital for development'

Katugastota Group Corr

Both large scale capitalists and middle income earners are essential for a country to ensure its development and progress, said Senior Minister of International Monetary Cooperation and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama said.

He was addressing the gathering at an awareness programme on the Divi Neguma programme at Galagedara Cultural hall on November 4.

Dr Amunugama said the large number of countries had attained development on the basis of industrial production made by medium and small scale investors. There is a domestic industry in almost every household. Sometimes they may be producing toys or some other material.

The Samurdhi Movement had helped to improve the rural economy today. A group of self-employed persons can be seen in every village as a result of this movement.

The government provided free education and health services to provide equal opportunities for all to develop their lifestyles.

The delay in approving the Divi Neguma Bill had deprived the pension rights to nearly 350 Samurdhi officers who retired from service last month. This happened due to the illogical and foolish accusations levelled a group of people about the Divi Neguma Bill without a proper understanding of the benefits it would bring for Samurdhi officers and Samurdhi beneficiaries.

Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena said the Samurdhi Movement had collected Rs 5,000 million as savings from Samurdhi beneficiaries. No other project had collected so much of money for the benefit of the poor in this country. Through the Divi Neguma Bill the government was trying to enable Samurdhi beneficiaries to start an enterprise with the help of their savings.