National Languages and social Integration
Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara
Q: The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation
Commission (LLRC) report managed to silence most of the
criticism of events of May 2009. Any comments?
A: Some expected the report to whitewash
the entire events so that they could level charges at the
country.
However, the LLRC report rightfully points
out that some incidents need further investigation.
On the other hand, some people say that
the LLRC has gone beyond its mandate and discusses
unnecessary things.
I hope the extremist views that were
influential in the past will become a joke in the future.
Fifty more Lak Sathosa outlets to be
opened
Cooperative and Internal Trade Minister
Johnston Fernando
Q: People expect high quality food items
at reasonable prices from 'Lak Sathosa'. What are the 'Lak
Sathosa; future plans to meet the consumer demand - since
the private sector super market chains are also doing a good
job?
A: 'Lak Sathosa' has the highest number of
supermarket outlets even in the North and East. Our aim is
customer satisfaction. We will open another 50 Lak Sathosa
outlets before the end of this year. 'Lak Sathosa' turnover
increased to Rs. 16,488 million in 2011 which is an increase
of Rs. 3,321 million as against 2010.
That shows the popularity and the customer
confidence towards 'Lak Sathosa'. We will ensure the high
quality essential commodities in 'Lak Sathosa' supermarkets.
Already we have suspended some supplies of substandard
supplies.
First impression counts at BIA
Deputy State Resources and Enterprise
Development Minister Sarath Kumara Gunaratna
Q: A special project to assist foreign
tourists at the Katunayaka BIA was launched by you a few
years ago. What is the present situation?
A: We are experiencing a tourist boom at
present. This situation will be improved. Further the
government has fixed a target of 2.5 million tourist
arrivals for 2016. The first person on arriving passenger
meets at the BIA is the tourist car driver. His behaviour
immensely influences the picture about the country and its
people. The Tourist Drivers' Association which I pioneered
in 1993, is now a professional body having 85 members.
They are well-trained and the government
specially the Ministry of Aviation has recognised their
services for the improvement of tourism in the country. The
Association has been registered as a company as "Airport
Tourist Drivers' Association". An experienced travel
executive Chaminda Kumarasingha has been appointed Managing
Director, well-trained and professional approach is a must
for tourist sector development.
National Languages and social Integration
Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara 
Cooperative and Internal Trade Minister
Johnston Fernando 
Deputy State Resources and Enterprise
Development Minister Sarath Kumara Gunaratna