Bandula pledges to support Govt's development plan

by Lalin Fernandopulle

The new Minister for Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Services, Bandula Gunawardana said that he would do his utmost to make the government's development plan and the peace process a success to bring prosperity to the nation.

Minister Gunawardana who assumed duties on Wednesday said the support extended by the United National Party Ministers is a tower of strength to the government in implementing its development plan and taking the peace process forward.

The MoU between the UNP and the SLFP lasted for three months but did not serve any purpose. We insisted that we should hold ministries and fulfil the promises we made to the people, he said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa must be commended for his efforts to get the support of the Opposition. We have assured him our fullest support in implementing the development plan and reviving the peace process, Gunawardana said.

He said the prices of consumer goods cannot be slashed overnight since world oil prices, depreciation of the rupee and high inflation contribute to its escalation.

The Finance Ministry has a major role to play in the economic growth of the country and curtail the rising cost of living. The Ministry of Trade is not responsible for the prices of goods increasing. People criticise the Ministry for increasing the prices of items without realising that there is an entire network that has to be taken into consideration, he said.

The Minister assured that in carrying out his duties he would not take into account one's party, colour or creed but promote the welfare of the consumer, manufacturer and trader so that every citizen in the country would be able to reap the benefits of growth.

Minister of Highways and Road Development, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said it was the total failure of the UNP leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe and the JVP that led to the 18 UNPers joining the government and create such a big Cabinet.

President Rajapaksa is ready to welcome Wickremesinghe and many more from his or any other party to support the government. The President is even ready to make Wickremesinghe the Prime Minister and obtain his support.It is time to shed petty political interests and work towards the country's prosperity, Fernandopulle said.