Divineguma Bill, an impetus to development

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the Divineguma Bill will be an impetus for development and the critics of the Bill are trying to thwart development in the country.

There are certain things that have been accepted nationally, such as poverty and social uplift and the Divineguma Bill has been drafted for the purpose, the Minister told the Sunday Observer. Parliament could make changes relating to managing public funds if there is any criticism and set up a Sub Committee. The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have certain control as well in this regard. But the sole purpose of the critics is to thwart development and embarrass the Government while trying to retain the 13th Amendment. Therefore, these views are all exaggerated, the Minister said.

Those who oppose the Divineguma Bill don’t want development and only seek more powers to be given to Provincial Councils. People have given a mandate to this Government and the budget has approved the Divineguma proposals. The budget proposals have to be carried forward. Therefore, merely criticising certain clauses of the Divineguma Bill will not have any effect, he said.

Minister Gunawardena said the Government’s economic program and its approach in the past few budgets of taking forward the Gama Neguma has made a strong impetus at grassroots level.

The Economic Development Ministry has implemented over 10,000 projects throughout the country. The Divineguma program has inspired every household to participate in agricultural and related development.

The Minister said those who protested against the open economy will continue to oppose this Government as well. They may be politicians or agents in the administration at different levels of decision-making.

But the Government has taken on the development challenge and the relevant laws will be implemented.