Govt takes bold decisions for economic growth - Dr. Jayasundera

The government has taken a few bold decisions for the overall economic growth of the country. At present the country has a successful economic growth and it is necessary to improve it, said Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, Secretary, Ministry of Finance. He was addressing the 167th annual general meeting of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at the Cinnamon Grand.

Dr. Jayasundera said that the second development forum will be held in December in Sri Lanka and the successful economic achievements and the future development strategies based on the 'Mahinda Chintana' framework will be presented at the forum.

Speaking on the power and energy sector, he said, that the country needs to reduce its dependence on thermal power generation. "Work on the coal power plant at Norochcholai will commence from March. Plans have been finalised for the Kerawalapitiya power plant. The government is working on a 500 MW power plant in Trincomalee with the assistance of the Indian Government, he said.

Referring to the infrastructure development sector specially roads and highways, he said that the policy and commitment was equally aggressive.

There is no need to obtain foreign aid for various projects without having a developed road network. we need not only a southern expressway but also a northern expressway, he said.

Dr. Jayasundera said that the Colombo Southern expressway would be fast tracked in addition to work on the Colombo Katunayake expressway. An outer circular road that connects these two expressways will be built. The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are also funding rapid rehabilitation of the existing road network. He said that implementation would be fast tracked whilst addressing the capacity of the construction sector to undertake the additional workload.

He said the government has decided to build the second International Airport soon. A rail link between Katunayake and Ratmalana is also planned and work will start by the end of the year.

Outgoing Chairman Deva Rodrigo said that the energy crisis, HIV-AIDS, poverty reduction and the North east conflict are priority areas for the country's future.

Mahen Dayananda was elected Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

LSAW