Deyata Kirula 2014:

President wants planners to involve local population

Suraj A. Bandara

President Mahinda Rajapaksa requested stakeholders responsible in programme planning for the Deyata Kirula National Development programme 2014 which will be held covering Kegalle, Kurunegala and Ratnapura districts to ensure the maximum participation of the local population in their tasks.

"It is compulsory to ensure that the planning of development projects and their implementation is done through public participation rather than being confined to high level decision makers", Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa revealing President Mahinda Rajapaksa's intention on Deyata Kirula development work said at a meeting held at Rambukka Pradeshiya Sabha Auditorium yesterday.

The Minister making the President's views known said that the entire government mechanism will be brought to all villages through grama niladhari divisions fulfilling the aspirations of both service provider and their recipient, he said. Therefore, a series of awareness seminars under the patronage of Minister Rajapaksa were held at the Mawanella, Aranayaka and Kegalle Divisional Secretariats. The fourth seminar was held to make aware the social activists, public servants, volunteer organizations and rural level participants in Rambukkana. Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Maheepala Herath, Ministers Ranjith Siymbalapitiya, Athauda Senevirathna and MP Kanaka Herath also attended the seminars.

The Minister further said mobile services will be conducted in 2731 Grama Niladari divisions in all three districts in keeping with the

government policies on development plans to be implemented parallel to the Deyata Kirula national Development exhibition.

He asserted that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had issued instructions to make the effort more successful so that any shortcomings could be minimised.

The Deyata Kirula will focus on government programmes in villages by enhancing local infrastructure facilities and to help public develop economic activities.

One of the prime objectives of the Deyata Kirula 2014 is to provide quality housing in the three districts. In addition, Deyata Kirula 2014 will be a good platform to protect children from dangerous trends, such as, drug abuse and to encourage the public to obtain the support of religious leaders and police to curb crimes and promote virtues.