All communities looked after by govt - PM
J M Hafees, Akurana group corr
The Mahinda Rajapaksa government ensured the security of the Tamil
and other minority communities while their reasonable demands have also
been met, Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said.
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Prime Minister D M Jayaratne participates in the
Kumbabishekam at Sri Muttumar Amman Kovil at Muralioya
Estate in Ruwanwella on Thursday. |
He said Western countries and Non Governmental Organisations are
shedding crocodile tears on the issues of the minorities of this country
not because they are concerned about the Tamil and Muslim communities
living in this country.
The Prime Minister made these views as the Chief Guest at the
Kumbabishekam at Sri Muttumar Amman Kovil at Muralioya Estate in
Ruwanwella on Thursday.
Premier Jayaratne said the government has done much for the estate
community.
"The government is developing the North and East. It has also taken
action to improve the living standard of the Tamils living outside North
and East.Around 1.3 million Tamils live in the North and East and nearly
1.5 Tamils live outside the North and East. There is a considerable
number of Muslims also living in these areas," he said. The government
accelerated the economic development process by implementing the Uthuru
Vasanthaya project and improving infrastructure facilities of those
areas, he said.
Prime Minister Jayaratne said 2,000 estates families in Gampola
electorate have been granted legal deeds.
"These families are implementing agricultural projects under the
divineguma, moving away from estate sector economic activities. Some
Tamils prefer agriculture," the Prime Minister said.
"Their ability should be used to enhance the economy. The procedure
to recruit Tamils to the government sector is also being properly
implemented. The government has also taken steps to recruit Tamils to
the Army," he said. "Those who had LTTE connections are now with the
Army after rehabilitation. This government does not harass minorities.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa will never allow such a thing to happen.
However, some forces use issues of minorities to obstruct the the
country's journey towards development," the Prime Minister said.
"Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher and Malay communities should live as
one family in this country," he said.
Senior Minister Athauda Seneviratne and Central Provincial Council
member Parakrama Athauda also participated. |
