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| Saturday, 6 September 2003 |
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Politics | |
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| Govt's aim to improve economy, says PM From Ananda Kannangara in Matara Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday the Government's only obligation is to improve the country's economy. He said when the Government came into power, the economy was in a poor state. "But the speedy development we implemented in the industrial, agricultural and other sectors improved the country's economy", he said at 'Yuga Dekma 2003' industrial exhibition at Matara esplanade yesterday. Speaker Joseph Michael Perera and Minister Mahinda Wijesekera were present. The proceedings began with the hoisting of the National flag by the Prime Minister. Later the Premier was conducted to the Janahamuwa Hall by Industrial Minister Rohitha Bogollagama to open the Yuga Dekme - 2003 inauguration ceremony. A large number of people waited impatiently to catch a glimpse of the Premier. The Prime Minister visited almost all trade stalls and exhibition centres conducted by Government and semi Government institutions. He said the government was able to improve the economy due to the peace process. "We are confident that the Government can extend this peace process further and finally bring a lasting solution without dividing the country," he said. The Premier said the government is bound to protect the country's territorial intergity to the highest level. "Under this prevailing atmosphere all countries have pledged their support to us," he said. The Prime Minister said this has encouraged the Government. The Government will be able to create at least two million jobs within the next two years, he said. "We have now planned to give low interest loans to industrialists and encourage them to start various industrial ventures. During this period we also faced numerous obstacles such as the recent floods. However the Government was able to provide relief to them," the Prime Minister said. Industrial Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said the Government had to revive the country's economy at a time when there was a severe disaster in the industrial sector. The Minister also thanked the Finance Ministry for reducing the interest rates from 23 percent to 10 percent to encourage investors to start more industrial projects. |
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