Broad programme needed to uplift energy sector - minister

Ridma Dissanayake

A comprehensive programme will be launched to uplift the power and energy sector. This is a timely need to move the country forward, said newly appointed Power and Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi after assuming duties.

"I have two clean and strong hands to serve my country in an efficient and honest manner," she said.

Power and energy is one of the most important sectors in world economy. As a developing country, an integral electricity supply system is important to achieve development goals, she added.

The minister said she will make all arrangements to launch a comprehensive programme with the assistance of her staff and affiliated institutions.

All sectors face problems from time to time. We should find ways to correct them instead of finding fault, she added.

Increasing the electricity bill is only one way to solve some matters in this sector. But it is not the only solution. All sections of the power and energy sector should make an effort to find alternatives to solve problems without burdening consumers, she stressed.

"President Mahinda Rajapaksa has a great vision for the country and we should support him in achieving that and make Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia," Minister Wanniarachchi said. Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Power and Energy Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekara, Power and Energy Ministry Secretary N. M. C. Ferdinado, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Chairman Kanchana Jayarathne, Media Centre for National Security Director General Lakshman Hulugalle and others were present.

Meanwhile, assuming duties as the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Deputy Minister, Sarath Kumara Gunaratne said humanity is the most important element when working with the public.

"All sections of the governing sector should be biased towards the public because they selected us to serve them. In such a situation, the government has to play a vital role to bring welfare to the public and develop the country," he said.

Deputy Minister Gunaratne said the ministry has already launched a number of programmes to develop the fisheries industry under the directions of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne. Plans are afoot to achieve aims within the next three years.

At present, we can see major developments in the fisheries sector with the eradication of terrorism in the country, he added.

The deputy minister said the ministry had never taken decisions based on financial considerations.

"It always made correct decisions for the development of the fisheries sector and to uplift the livelihoods of the fisheries community," Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Senior Minister P. Dayaratne, Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, State Resources and Enterprise Development Minister Dayasritha Tissera, Media Centre for National Security Director General Lakshman Hulugalle and others attended the ceremony.