SB dismisses opposition allegations
by Uditha KUMARASINGHE
Higher Education Minister S.B.Dissanayake yesterday said remarks made
by the UNP led Opposition that the benefits of the Government’s
development drive are not channelled to the people due to corruption
were ridiculous.
Minister Dissanayake who categorically denied this statement made by
the Opposition said after the end of the military operations against
terrorists, the people could witness the massive development drive
launched by the Government in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
Amidst various hardships, the Government has been able to achieve
eight percent economic growth rate due to mega investments made in the
development sector. Therefore this is a ridiculous statement made by a
certain section of the Opposition to gain political milege, the Minister
told the Sunday Observer.
“It is acceptable for someone who lacks understanding to make such a
statement. But it is sad to note that some economic experts in the
Opposition have also made this comment,” the Minister said. Minister
Dissanayake said the post-conflict period is the most difficult period
for a country, because the Government has to spend billions of rupees to
rebuild all the infrastructure facilities and other State properties
destroyed due to terrorism.
In addition, funds have to be allocated to purchase military
equipment and look into the welfare of the families of the soldiers who
were disabled during military operations.
Even though military operations against terrorism is over, the
Government has to reserve huge amounts of money to pay salaries of war
heroes in the three Armed Forces. The Government has to address a series
of problems during this post conflict scenario.
During the period of military operations against terrorists, one
projectile from a MBRL cost nearly Rs.35,000.
The Government had to spend nearly Rs.60 million to destroy those two
LTTE aircraft which attempted to attack key economic hubs in Colombo.
The Government is repaying loans obtained to conduct military
operations against terrorists. After the eradication of terrorism, the
Government had to spend a huge amount of money to resettle people who
were displaced.
The Government has to spend money on demining activities as well.
There are loans and interest which have to be repaid by the
Government. According to Minister Rs.985 billion allocated by the
previous budget,nearly Rs.400 billion has been reserved for development
activities. If this money allocated for development is utilised to pay
salaries or subsidies,in which direction this country would proceed? he
asked.
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