People's support ultimate strength of govt - Minister GL

While challenges are an essential part of governance and indeed of life, the government is always ready to share its thoughts and plans with the public, because the support of the people is the ultimate strength of the government, External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris said in Tangalle and Mulkirigala on Monday.

External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris opening a computer laboratory at Wakamulla Vidyalaya.

He was speaking at ceremonies to inaugurate a computer laboratory at Wakamulla Vidyalaya and to donate equipment and books at Kirama Dhammananda Vidyalaya.

"Public awareness is nowhere more important today than in relation to the dramatic changes taking place in the field of education, "he said.

"One of the prominent features of government policy with regard to education is firm commitment to making available to students in all parts of the country facilities and resources in no way inferior to what is offered in the leading schools of Colombo. It is in pursuit of this objective that computer and other facilities, necessary for imparting a complete education relevant to the needs of our time, are now being rapidly introduced into schools in the Hambantota district, " Minister Peiris observed.

He recalled the days, not so long ago, when schools in the area were deprived of even basic facilities. This situation has been reversed today and talented students from the district are now able to hold their own and even to perform better at public examinations than students from privileged schools, he noted.

"This is the result of a sustained policy being implemented by the government to ensure that the fruits of peace, stability and economic development are enjoyed in full measure in all parts of the country, and not restricted to a few areas which have hitherto been the sole focus of attention," Minister Peiris continued.

It is directly in consequence of this concern for social equity, underpinning the philosophy to which the government is committed, that students from the area are able to achieve for themselves satisfying careers in the public service, the professions and entrepreneurship, he commented.

Minister Peiris proceeded to sound a note of caution. He said that these gains, if they are to continue, must be strenuously defended by the public at large.

It must not be forgotten that the government had to hold at bay powerful forces and thwart their designs in order to overcome terror and to emancipate the people from its stronghold.

The Minister referred to the persistent efforts made by powerful elements to stop the military operation during its decisive final stages. "Had it not been for the resolve shown by the political leadership, the carnage would be continuing even today, "he said.

"After the eradication of terrorism, the country was told in no uncertain terms that it was being punished for not heeding the views of these elements, and an economic price was exacted by the withdrawal of significant trade benefits.

What we now see, unfolding before us, is yet another phase in this campaign, the Minister remarked. What is now sought to be done is to use human rights as a political weapon in the most selective and discriminating way imaginable to introduce obstacles in the way of the country's economic and social progress," he said.

Prof. Peiris assured the larger community he was addressing that the government has the courage to overcome these challenges, no less evident at the present time than even at the height of the conflict.

He cautioned, however, that there is no room for complacency, and that the people must rally round the government to protect and consolidate the hard won benefits which they enjoy today.

Ven. Ambakolaweta Dhammaratana Thera and Mr. Siriwardena, the Principals of the two schools, Chandima Rasaputra, Minister of Education of the Southern Provincial Council, Southern Provincial Councillor Kapila Dissanayaka and Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha Vice Chairman Mahinda Gamachchi addressed the gathering.