Development despite obstacles

Construction work on the Hambantota Port project got under way in Mirijjiwela on Thursday, opening a new chapter in the development of the Southern Province.

The project, which cost USD 360 million, would soon become a reality, fulfilling yet another pledge under the Mahinda Chinthana, the victorious election manifesto of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The finances for the mega development project would come from the Government of the People's Republic of China. The Chinese soft loan grant was provided during President Rajapaksa's recent visit to Beijing. The nation owes a big thank you to the Government and the People of China as Beijing would pump 85% of the total amount under a special subsidised loan scheme.

With the Weerawila International Airport and Hambantota harbour projects coming up, the Southern Province is set for major infrastructure development. The aim of the President and his Government is very clear - to take development beyond the Western Province.

All this time, successive Governments focused mainly on the development in the Western Province. None of them considered similar infrastructure development at provincial level. Who would feel the need for an international airport at a remote place such as Weerawila? or a port at the adjoining Mirijjiwela? But things which would not be visualised even in the wildest dreams of an ordinary citizen are gradually becoming a reality.

Over the years, development was basically confined to the Western Province. Though the rural farmers toiled to develop our agro-based economy, only a few of those who were affluent in the Western Province enjoyed the benefits. Being a true rural product genuinely closer to the aspirations of a rural farmer, President Rajapaksa has a broader vision to take the harvest of development to the village.

Infrastructure development at provincial level is a must if a country is to move towards economic prosperity. The provincial cities should be linked to the capital with a well-knit infrastructure facility. That's the mechanism which is needed to take the development in the capital and suburbs to other parts of the country.

The development work that is taking place in the South is a big boost not only to people in those areas but also for others in the adjoining Eastern, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces and for all of us. Once completed, people could meet their day to day needs in their hometowns itself.

People need not come all the way to Colombo for their overseas travel or shipping requirements. The produce in those provinces could easily be shipped or air freighted, reducing the lead time, transportation costs, delays and problems relating to freshness.

Under the first Phase, the Hambantota Port will act as a technical and service providing port with the latter expansion to take the port to a full fledged port with state-of-the-art technology and the capability of handling 20 million containers per year.

In addition to the port, an international airport with expressways to the existing rail road network, this area will be converted into a full fledged industrial zone. At the same time, every possible step would be taken to protect the environment. A tree planting programme has been initiated on a 15 km stretch adjoining the port to protect and minimise the adverse effect on the environment. Waste management and water purifying plants too have been included in the master plan.

The Government has also embarked on several other development projects such as the Norochcholai coal power plant, Moragahakanda development project and Upper Kotmale hydropower project. Some projects are being funded completely by the Government without waiting for donors.

All these developments are taking place while the Government is engaged in a valiant battle to beat terrorism. Billions of rupees are needed to ensure our national security, which is given top priority. Simultaneously, the Government is making every endeavour to keep development work going.

While some of our own leaders and political opportunists go globe-trotting and try to tarnish the image of their motherland, President Rajapaksa is successfully tackling the dual battle of eradicating poverty and eliminating terrorism. Both battles are equally important to the country.

While retaining the identity of this Paradise Island, President Rajapaksa has always extended his arms for peace. It's not a peace that could be bartered for power. It's not a peace that would compromise the sovereignty of this island. The peace that President Rajapaksa and his patriotic forces who belong to all communities are expecting is an honourable peace - a peace which could be acceptable not only to the Sinhalese, but also to Tamils, Muslims and Burghers.

If not for Velupillai Prabhakaran's ruthless terrorism during the last two decades, the colossal expenditure on national defence would have been invested to make this country a heaven on earth. Terrorist leader Prabhakaran and his blood-thirsty LTTE are the stumbling block to economic prosperity, both in the North and South.