Economic Development Ministry vote passed:

Govt on guard for unscrupulous investors - Eco.Dev. Minister

by Uditha KUMARASINGHE

The vote on the Economic Development Ministry was unanimously passed without any amendments at the third reading of the Budget in Parliament yesterday.

The Economic Development Minister who wound up the debate said the confidence placed by the people on President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government has been further strengthened due to moves taken by the Economic Development Ministry.

The Ministry cannot fulfil its obligation alone. It made joint efforts with several ministries to carry out its development task. Five Senior Ministers have also extended their cooperation to conduct the activities of the Ministry, he said.

Minister Rajapaksa said his Ministry has laid emphasis on the rural community and more financial allocations have been made for development activities in the rural areas.

He said the Government admits the fact that the country needs foreign investments. However, they too are businessmen who come here to invest with the intention of making profits. Therefore the Government would act in a more cautious and responsible manner when dealing with foreign investors.