Senior Minister for Rural Affairs Athauda Seneviratne

‘Sri Lanka reaping peace dividends’

Ishara Mudugamuwa

Politicians are entitled to have their own views on various issues, but, these personal opinions should not have a negative impact on the well being of society. All politicians should be united when the country faces a threat, states Senior Minister for Rural Affairs Athauda Seneviratne in an interview with the Daily News.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: As a veteran politician what is your opinion about the current political situation in the country?

A:When Mahinda Rajapaksa became President, terrorists and other separatist forces were in a strong and powerful position. Development activities in the country had come to a standstill and the economy was stagnant. But today, Sri Lanka is a world of a difference. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has brought peace and prosperity to the country by defeating terrorism and all local and foreign conspiracies. Under the leadership of the President, the country is experiencing a development boon with all Sri Lankans reaping the benefits of economic, social and cultural progress.

Sri Lanka is a democratic country. The opposition has a vital role to play in a democracy. But the behaviour of the opposition is questionable and I wonder whether the opposition parties have realized this, as they always disagree with government decisions. This is a clear sign that they have not understood their role. I am of the view that the opposition wants to show their disagreement over all decisions the government takes. Their anti-government policy doesn’t bring positive results to society.

Infrastructure facilities, key to development

Vocational training for rural youths

Q: Are you satisfied with the country’s present development drive?

A: Yes, definitely. We are experiencing a post conflict era. So the government has to give priority to development. The government has launched a massive development drive under the Mahinda Chinthanaya policy of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. This development process is based on three major resources, such as sea, air and land. Under the leadership of the President, a new port has come up in Hambantota and the government has already taken measures to develop the Colombo, Galle, Oluwila, Trincomalle harbours with the objective of getting maximum use of sea surrounding the country. The government has also taken steps to establish a new international airport in Mattala which will be opened next year.

The government has taken further measures to develop the Katunayaka International Airport to attract more air lines and tourists. Under the land development process, the government has given priority for the development of country’s agriculture sector to make maximum use of our land.

Q: As a senior Minister responsible to the Ministry of Rural Affairs, can you briefly explain the rural development initiatives of the government?

A: The government has focused special attention in developing the rural sector under the Mahinda Chinthanaya programme. The importance of strengthening village communities had been highlighted. Gama Neguma and Divineguma play a pivotal role in the government’s rural development drive. A large number of development projects, such as, infrastructure development, agriculture and livestock development projects are in progress.

Most of the roads in rural areas have been concreted. Electricity is no more a dream for the rural community. Electricity will be provided to all by 2014. The government plans to uplift the living standards of the rural masses under the Divineguma programme.