Rapid development after defeat of terrorism - PM

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne yesterday stated that the people should be vigilant of the few groups who attempt to reverse the government’s achievements and its massive projects, which have marked the highest development in Sri Lanka’s history within two and half years after the elimination of terrorism.

The Prime Minister made this observation as chief guest at the Seethawaka Abimana exhibition held at Rajasinghe Central College, Hanwella.

He stated that history has it that there had been a small number of people who worked against great leaders to achieve their hidden agenda, without thinking of the prosperity of the entire nation. He added history repeats itself even now.

The Prime Minister also stated that there is a group functioning overseas with vested interests and trying to bring Sri Lanka in to disrepute.

They spread baseless allegations against the country, but, the most pathetic situation is that there are a few groups who support them without thinking of the national interests.

Those groups support them against the government by protesting and by displaying various placards for their own survival.

“So it is the responsibility of the people to be fully aware of their motives and actions,’ the PM said.

The Prime Minister stated that there were many leaders in Sri Lankan history who developed the nation but this government under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the one that has developed the nation at such a rapid pace in such a short period since the elimination of terrorism.

He added that even the IMF and World bank has accepted the fact that Sri Lanka is rapidly developing at a 8.4 percent growth rate after the eradication of terrorism.

“During this short period, the Magampura harbour was constructed and twelve other harbours are being developed. The Mattala airport is to be opened. The Expressway is opened. “Even I was surprised to see the amount of road network that has been developed in the North and East,” the Prime Minister said.

The PM also said that Seethawaka is proud of Philip Gunewardena’s children, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Geethanjana Gunewardena who are rendering a great service to the country. Major General Kamal Gunaratne, veteran Journalist Edmond Ranasinghe, owner of Sarasaviya Publication A D Premasiri, Indigenous Physician M H M Irshad and veteran journalist Kamanika Peiris were conferred the title “Seethawakabimana.”