Diri Uda 2013, a boon for Kalutara

by K. K. D. Premalal, Matugama Daily News Special Cor.

Most of the politicians conveniently forget their voters in the district after coming into power. The voters find it difficult to meet their respective MPs and ministers to seek solutions to their grievances. Consequently they gradually lose faith and confidence on the politicians. However there are a handful of politicians who do not forget their people in the district. They always try to be with the people and share their joy and sorrow.

They do whatever possible for the well-being of the people. These politicians are never forgotten by the people and they win each and every election with a sweeping majority.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama is one such politician who loves the common touch of the people. He received 124,830 preferential votes at the general election held in 2010 placing top at the list in Kalutara District.He entered politics in 1982 representing Agalawatte electorate in Kalutara district. He used to canvas from house to house in the electorate and he was a known figure to children and elders alike. However, he was able to enter parliament in 1994 representing Agalawatte electorate.

He did not switch loyalties ever since he entered parliament in 1982. He was able to win each and every election with a thumping majority.

He held the portfolios of Deputy Transport Minister, Deputy Minister of Power and Energy, Minister of Industrial Development and Cabinet Minister of Welfare of three armed forces and the police. At present he is the Minister of Transport and he has rendered a yeoman service to the uplift of the transport system in Sri Lanka.

Welgama’s dream is to help the needy in whatever possible way. He launched a program called “Diri Uda” in 2011 and has been continuing it successfully. “Diri Uda” is a program to uplift the living standard of the people in the district. Giving school equipment for the entire children who step into grade one in the Kalutara district is a prominent part of this program.

Speaking about the distribution of school requirements, Welgama said, “I donate school equipment out of my personal funds to all the children in grade one in the Kalutara district at the beginning of each year. I always believe the best thing should be given to children. We give school equipment irrespective of their parents’ income. Apart from that they are the future leaders of our country. That is why our president always looks in to the needs of the children.

“The doors of the President’s house is open to all the school children and they can discuss their problems with the President”, he said.

Giving financial assistance for the low income families is also another segment of the “Diri Uda” concept. Four hundred needy elderly people are selected to give a monthly allowance of Rs. 400 each. Financial assistance is given at Deniston Estate at Horawala in Matugama.

Distribution of ‘Sil redi’ is also a meritorious deed by the minister under this program. Every Poson Poya Day, ‘Sil redi’ is distributed among devotees in all the temples in the district.Welgama also helps people who do not have houses to build a house of their own. Many needy families have been benefited through this “Diri Uda” program.

Donating wheel-chairs and artificial legs is also another meritorious act done by the Minister. He also has paid attention to the people who have poor eyesight. Lenses have been distributed among needy people.

He does all these social activities for the well-being of the people and he does not expect anything in return. He spends a large sum of money in the development of the people and the district.

The “Diri Uda” program has been expanded by leaps and bounds. Minister Welgama will hand over three buses to three leading schools in Matugama this time. St. Mary’s College, C.W.W. Kannangara National School and Ananda Shastralaya National School will receive three buses for the welfare of the children. The total value of three buses will be three million borne by the Minister Welgama. Regarding the donation of buses to three leading schools in Matugama, St. Mary’s Principal Jayasiri Gajadeera said, “We must pay our gratitude to Transport Minister Kumara Welgama for providing three buses for three schools in Matugama. He also spoke of the difficulties faced by the schools to buy buses for the welfare of the students.President Mahinda Rajapaksa will open a new swimming pool at St. Mary’s College, Matugama which is the only swimming pool in Pasdun Korale.

The funds were given by the Minister out of the decentralised funds. The Old Boys’ Association also extended their help to raise funds.

The Chief coordinator of the Diri Uda program Kapila Thilakaratne said, “Organising a mega program like “Diri Uda” is really a challenging task. However, we have made all the arrangements to make this a success”.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will participate in “Diri Uda” program on January 25 at St. Mary’s College, Matugama at 10 a.m. Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and many other guests will grace the occasion.

He will distribute school equipment to all grade one children in the district.He will also open the new swimming pool at St. Mary’s College,Matugama. He will also hand over the keys of three buses to three leading schools in Matugama.