Govt will provide relief to needy sectors - President

By Shanika SRIYANANDA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa alerted people of attempts by parties with vested interests trying to mislead the public and trying to take advantage of the prevailing situation to instigate a volatile situation internally with the intention of putting Sri Lanka into difficulty at the forthcoming United Nations Human Rights Council sessions.

He said protests against the recent fuel hike was such attempt to provoke people, but they could not fulfil their intended desire as people were aware of the prevailing situation in the global fuel market.

Rise in world oil prices

He said the government was compelled to increase the price of fuel due to its difficulty in shouldering the massive economic weight imposed by the rise in world oil prices, a decision the government was forced to take against its will. “The government has never imposed hardship on the people willingly,” he said addressing a gathering in Kadawatha last week after inaugurating of several key development initiatives in the area, He said the government has taken measures to provide relief to all needy sectors affected by the fuel price hike.

However, the President emphasised that despite difficulties, he was determined and committed to uphold responsibilities vested in him by the nation to create a peaceful and prosperous country. President Rajapaksa assured the gathering that whatever the obstacle, he was determined to take the country forward step by step on the path to prosperity as envisioned in his policy manifesto-Mahinda Chinthana.

The President urged the public to uphold their duty and keep their trust in the government and help take the country forward. President Rajapaksa also recalled how his government was able to steer the country forward during difficult times. He said the government had reunited the country in a short span defeating terrorism.

He also recalled taking the country forward successfully during difficulties such as the world economic recession, food scarcity, global fuel price fluctuations.

Earlier, the President inaugurated the construction of the second phase of the Outer Circular Expressway. He also vested with the public, the newly initiated safe drinking water project which will benefit over 500,000 people in Mahara, Kadawatha, Wattala, Welisara, Ragama, Kandana, Ja-Ela, Ekala, Biyagama, Delgoda, Muthurajawela and Pamunugama.

Kadawatha

He opened the new courts complex at Kadawatha built at Rs 175 million and vested with the public the new bus stand at Kadawatha, Gemidiriya Cooperative Society at Mahara, underground pedestrian tunnel at Kadawatha and the newly constructed pedestrian walkways in the town. It was the protest by the fishermen that made President Rajapaksa to have a sudden visit to Tangalle fisheries harbour to meet fishermen to discuss their plight. After listening to their problems he promised immediate relief to fishermen and promised them that the government would take immediate measures to identify issues pertaining to the fisheries sector and would provide viable solutions at the earliest possible.

He said that arrangements are being already made to address welfare and other issues faced by the fishermen. On the occasion the fishermen too made the President aware of their thoughts on the progress of the sector in recent times, the difficulties faced by them and problems pertaining to the sector as a whole. They also told the President that they would not support certain elements who were trying to provoke fishermen in order to achieve their petty objectives.

They also said that they appreciate the decision to provide concessions. President Rajapaksa during the visit also inspected the refrigeration facilities and boat workshop at the harbour. There are more than 300 boats which operate from the harbour with over1000 families depending on the income generated. The President also visited the beach park in Tangalle managed by the Municipal Council spoke to the people who were in the park.

Stable country

It is the fervent wish of Sri Lanka that the Maldives will be a stable country in all respects and Sri Lanka will always work dedicatedly towards the progress and welfare of the people of the Maldives, President Rajapaksa told Maldivian special envoy Mohomed Wahidudeen whom he met at Temple Trees in the middle of this week. The envoy was carrying a special letter from new Maldivian President Dr. Mohomed Waheed to the Sri Lankan leader.

“I warmly greet all Sri Lankan Hindus on the occasion of Maha Shiva Rathri, the festival in honour of Lord Shiva,” President Rajapaksa said in a message to mark Maha Shiva Rathri. The message: “Hindus the world over celebrate this holy day by fasting and keeping a night-long vigil at temples, lighting lamps, making offerings to Lord Shiva and chanting hymns in his praise.

Maha Shiva Rathri symbolizes the constant efforts by humans to dispel the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge, as well as achieve unity and harmony, both in their lives and in society at large. “Sri Lankan Hindus have been co-existing with followers of other religions in brotherhood and harmony for centuries.

With the peace that now prevails throughout the land they are free to celebrate this important religious event in a true spirit of brotherhood and solemnity. “May their prayers this Maha Shiva Rathri strengthen their well-being as well as the unity and cohesion of all communities in the country. “I wish all Sri Lankan Hindus the joyous blessings of Maha Shiva Rathri. May their aspirations for a better tomorrow come true.”

The Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Las Henrick Thunell called on President Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees.

During the meeting, the IFC official has assured the President that his institution will provide the investment opportunities and advisory services necessary to get the full support and the contribution of the private sector over the future well-being of the country. IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries.

Sri Lanka is a focus country for IFC’s program in South Asia. IFC’s committed portfolio of $200 million in the country covers projects across a range of sectors — including infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy, banking, and health care.

IFC also provides advisory support to small and medium enterprises, promoting sustainable growth among small and medium enterprises by facilitating access to finance and offering capacity-building and training opportunities.

Among the people whom President Rajapaksa met at Temple Trees last week were popular Indian Singer Sonu Nigam and his family members, a special Japanese Buddhist delegation, TNA Leader R. Sambandan and the Asian Chairman of Shangri-La Lanka Group of Hotels.