All 19 SPC members have common purpose

by Ananda KANNANGARA

All nineteen candidates who were elected to the Southern Provincial Council (SPC) for the first time are of the view that their only objective is to improve infrastructure facilities and economic development in their respective districts.

According to the final results of the SPC Election, fifteen newcomers, who contested under the UPFA, were elected from Galle, Matara and Hambantota districts while three new UNP candidates were elected from Galle and Matara districts and only one member from the JVP.

When the Sunday Observer interviewed six new candidates from the UPFA, Randika Gamage, Sajin Vas Gunawardana, Anarkali Akarsha, Kanchana Wijesekara, Kapila Dissanayaka and Ananda Vidanapathirana, said that they would work for the council with one objective to develop the entire Southern District in agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

Kanchana Wijesekara, son of Minister Mahinda Wijesekara, said steps will be taken to develop the tourism industry which is the main economy development sector in the district.

"As the war ended few months ago, we hope to bring more tourists to the Southern district during the next two years." he said.

He said persons who are engaged in the tourism industry will be helped financially and also to re-start their business activities.

Randima Gamage, who is the son of Minister Piyasena Gamage, said farmers will be granted financial assistance to uplift their agricultural activities. He said the area has a large extent of uncultivated paddy lands and farmers will be helped to re-cultivate their lands.

Kapila Dissanayaka from Hambantota, another newcomer to the SPC said that steps will be taken to look into the grievances of the fishing community since this industry in the district could be developed to a greater extent.

"We have also focused attention on the development of infrastructure facilities including new houses for fishing community, new schools, hospitals and highways," he said.

The only female candidate Anarkali Akarsha, who was elected to the SPC, said the establishment of Hambantota Port was very important and this will help to transport goods to surrounding districts within a short duration and also to create large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities to unemployed youth.

Krishantha Pushpakumara, who was elected first time to the Southern Provincial Council as a UNP member from Galle District, said that although they were in the opposition, all of them wish to work for the benefit of the people in the entire province, irrespective of their respective political parties.

Newly elected UNP member Gayan Sanjeewa and Vindana Nishantha made similar comments that people elected them with one objective and it is their duty to look into the needs of people and fulfil their requirements.

"As members in the council we have to work closely with the ruling party and launch programs to improve the living conditions of needy people," he said.

JVP member from Hambantota, Sujeeva Priyantha too wanted to work closely with all members as such a move will benefit people in the province.

"I think attention must be focused towards the development of tourism, fishing and agricultural industries," he added.