Education, poverty eradication plans on top gear - President

Dharma Sri Abeyratne in Kahawatta

President Mahinda Rajapsksa yesterday said his government has put into motion every plan drawn up to fight against poverty and reduce unemployment in the country.

The government allocated Rs 306 billion for education aiming to enrich the younger generation with knowledge, skills and special abilities. Under this scheme, the people especially the younger generation have been given the opportunity to equip themselves with the latest knowledge. The 1,000 school development programme is one such education sector development move, President Rajapaksa said.

The President was participating in the opening ceremony of an auditorium and a new school building at Kahawatta Central College yesterday. The three-storied school building and the auditorium were constructed at a cost of Rs 20 million donated by gem merchant W. Winil in memory of his son Dilan. Chathuranga.

In line with the education sector development initiatives, students in the remote areas are entitled to obtain an extra uniform and a pair of shoes. The government is duty-bound to offer equal education opportunities for every student in the country, the President said. He further said parents dedicate and devote themselves much towards the education of their children and children in turn should clearly understand the dedication and sacrifices made by their parents.

The aim of both parents and the government is to make children grow up to be individuals of quality that will serve the country and are capable of taking the country forward, the President said. Speaking on the electrification of the Ratnapura district, the President said over 90 percent of homes in the district have been electrified.

He added that the Sabaragamuwa Province Chief Minister had been requested to renovate the entire road network.

In line with the health sector development programme, moves are underway to upgrade health programme in the district.

The government had constructed several power plants including the Norochcholai coal power plant so as to meet the ever increasing power demand. But the earlier rulers considered only electrification but not the power generation to meet the increasing demand.

He said power, roads and telecommunication sectors are being developed rapidly since the development in such sectors are of utmost importance for a developing country.