Contribute actively to build the national economy – President tells District Coordinating Committee Chairmen
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assures that all roads in the country will be rehabilitated within the next four years.
President requests the District Committee chairmen to actively contribute to build the national economy by finding solutions to various issues faced by the public in several districts.
President made these remarks during a meeting to discuss the roles and responsibilities of District Committee chairmen held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (31).
President said that the District Committee chairmen bear a great responsibility towards taking the country forward by making efficient use of state machinery and working together with Ministers and State Ministers.
The young members of Parliament who were not made Ministers were appointed to chair District Development Committees with the objective of devoting their entire time to development activities.
The Government has identified issues that are common as well as unique to several districts. Priority will be given to resolving problems such as shortage of drinking and irrigation water, rehabilitation of irrigation systems, intrusion of wild elephants into villages and to find swift solutions to address prevailing shortcomings in education and health sectors. District Development Committee chairmen were appointed simultaneously with Cabinet and State Ministers to achieve these targets.
President Rajapaksa said that the current situation in every district in the country will be constantly reviewed to a mechanism will be formulated to address existing problems immediately.
Work on several development programmes implemented by the then Government till 2015 has been stalled. Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival Basil Rajapaksa said all suspended constructions should be completed using the allocation of funds from the forthcoming budget.
Mr. Rajapaksa added that plans have been mootted to rehabilitate all the roads in the country categorised as A,B,C and D before the end of the tenure of the incumbent President.
President told the District Committee chairmen the trust of the public in politicians should be strengthened by working in conjunction with Ministries and officials.
The chairmen of District Development Committees assured that they would be fully committed to the development of the country by providing the support expected by the President.
Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance S.R. Attygalle and the Secretary Defense Major Gen. (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne were also present during the discussion.
Annual Dalada Maha perahera of the ancient Sri Jaywardanapura Kotte Rajamaha Vihara travelled the streets yesterday(August 29) and concluded the ceremony for this year.
The sacred casket was carried to the vihara palace by Minister Namal Rajapaksa. Mahanayake of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sanga Sabha, Most Ven. Iththapane Dhammalankara Maha thero made the Anushasana and Chief incumbent of the Vihara premises, Ven. Aluthnuwara Anurudhdha thero performed religious observances.
Following the religious observances, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa placed the sacred casket on top of the chief elephant(casket bearer) to commence the perahera ceremonies.
President Rajapaksa also appeared for a group photo with the Nilames.
- Rehabilitation of Neluwa – Lankagama road to be completed within 90 days
- No harm should be caused to forest reserve and ecosystem
- Permanent bridge replacing hanging bridge
- 2100 plants to be added to the reserve
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa reiterates his intention to fulfill the needs of the people without causing harm to the environment.
During the last few days, electronic, print and social media reported that rehabilitation work of Neluwa – Lankagama road is causing damage to Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the surrounding ecosystem. President Rajapaksa visited Neluwa Lankagama today (29) to get firsthand information of the situation and to obtain views of the experts and the residents in the area.
After inspecting suspended development work President pointed out that the long-felt need of the rehabilitation of the road should be carried out while protecting the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and nearby vicinities.
The history of Lankagama area dates back to King Walagamba period. Tea plantation is the main livelihood of the people living there. For over a period of 100 years villagers transport their tea leaves to Deniyaya and Neluwa through the road close to Sinharaja Forest.
The unsatisfactory condition of the road hinders transportation of patients to Neluwa, Udugama and Karapitiya hospitals. It also causes many hardships to the children pursuing their education as well as to the day-to-day activities of the villagers. Rehabilitating “Neluwa- Lankagama- Pitadeniya” road was commenced as a measure to address these difficulties.
Simultaneously, 120 feet long and 6 feet wide bridge will be constructed to replace the existing hanging bridge over Ginganga in Lankagama. This will facilitate children in Wathugala, Lankagama, Nilwella, Kolonthotuwa and Pitadeniya to reach their schools.
President directed the officials to distribute 3 plants to each of 700 families in Lankagama and to get the families to nurture the total of 2100 plants and add them to the forest reserve.
People in the area said that they protected Sinharaja Forest and its eco system from generation to generation and strongly objected to the moves by certain environmentalists who act without proper knowledge for obstructing one of their basic needs being met. A father who was carrying his toddler on his shoulder requested the President “please do not let our children to suffer the way we did”.
Maha Sangha blessed the President for taking the decision to rehabilitate the road for the benefit of the residents in the area who suffer due to lack of basic facilities.
Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando, Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation C.B. Ratnayake, Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Plantation Ramesh Pathirana, State Minister Mohan P. de Silva, Members of Parliament Sampath Athukorala, Nipuna Ranawaka, Chandima Weerakkodi, Weerasumana Weerasinha, Governor Willie Gamage and officials of several Ministries were present on the occasion.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed officials to devise a sustainable solution to human-elephant conflict within 2 years’ time.
The problem of intrusion of elephants into human settlements in several districts has been discussed for nearly 40 years. Although various solutions have been implemented, the problem remains unresolved. President emphasized that finding a quick and durable solution to protect both humans and elephants is a priority.
President made these remarks during a meeting to discuss future activities of the State Ministry of Wildlife Conservation Protection Programmes including Electric Fence and Ditch Construction and Re-Forestation and Wildlife Resources Development held at the Presidential Secretariat today (27).
In 2019 122 human lives were lost and 407 elephants were killed due to the intrusion of elephants into villages. That figure for the past 8 months of this year stands at 62 and 200 respectively. In this context, the threat posed to the cultivation, day-to-day lives of the people as well as to the elephant population is immense, President said.
The Department of Wildlife has 1.2million hectares under its purview. President pointed out that the responsibility of feeding wild animals also lies with the Department.
The President expressed surprise at the fact of incapability of officials in the relevant fields to find a permanent solution to manage or to formulate strategies to the long-standing problem.
A committee has been appointed to find a stable solution to protect cultivation lands and agricultural based livelihoods from threats posed by wild elephants encroaching villages.
The Head of the Presidential Task Force in charge of Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication, Basil Rajapaksa pointed out the importance of rehabilitation of tanks and reservoirs in sanctuaries as well as the significance of growing grass adjacent to sanctuaries.
It was discussed in detail regarding the need for expansion and conservation of mangrove ecosystems. President Rajapaksa said that regulations should be relaxed enabling the mangrove cultivators to receive more benefits.
The officials pointed out the potential for shrimp farming close to mangrove forests.
In particular attention was drawn to grant permission for river sand mining under strict control to the people living in those particular areas.
President Rajapaksa said that officials should ensure continuous implementation of the projects that are formulated on the basis of public enthusiasm even when they are out of the public attention.
Minister C.B. Ratnayake, Minister of State Wimalaweera Dissanayake, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera and Secretaries and officials representing the Cabinet and State Ministries were also present at the discussion.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told the Secretaries of State Ministries as mechanisms have been put in place in all sectors from bottom upwards what is now needed is to provide quick results fulfilling people’s expectations.
State Ministries have been created giving priority to the betterment of the people and economic development of the country. Secretaries are vested with a huge responsibility as well as tasks in achieving the set goals. President Rajapaksa instructed the new Secretaries of State Ministries to take measures to overcome challenges while providing solutions for their issues going among them.
The President made these remarks while handing over letters of appointment to new Secretaries of State Ministries at the Presidential Secretariat, today (26).
They are:-
- Mr. D. P. G. Kumarasiri
State Ministry of Estate Housing and Community Infrastructure Facilities
- Mr. S. D. A. B. Boralessa
State Ministry of Land Management Affairs, State Business Land and Property Development
- Mr. K. D. S. Ruwanchandra
State Ministry of Co-operative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection
- Mr. M. N. Ranasinghe
State Ministry of Regulation of Fertilizer Production and Supply, Use of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides
- Mr. S. T. Kodikara
State Ministry of Promotion of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Artists
- Mr. N. H. M. Chithrananda
State Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation
- Mr. H. K. D. W. M. N. B. Hapuhinna
State Ministry of Development of Samurdhi Home Economy, Microfinance, Self-Employment and Businesses and Underutilized State Resources
- Mr. Tissa Hewavithana
State Ministry of Coconut, Fishtail Palm, Palmyra and Rubber Product Promotion and Allied Industrial Production and Export Diversification
- Mr. M. Dewasurendra
State Ministry of Development of Aviation and Export Zones
- Mr. M. A. B. V. Bandaranayake
State Ministry of Cane, Brass, Clay, Furniture and Rural Industry Promotion
- Mr. S. H. Harischandra
State Ministry of Dhamma Schools, Bhikkhu Education, Piriven and Buddhist Universities
- S. Arumeinayagam
State Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotions and Market Diversification
- S. G. Wijayabandu
State Ministry of Development of Rural and Regional Drinking Water Supply Projects
- S. Senanayaka
State Ministry of Livestock and Farm Promotion and Dairy and Egg Related Industries
- A. Senanayake
State Ministry of Professional Development of Postal Services and Mass Media
- G. C. Karunarathna
State Ministry of Prison Reforms and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation
- K. H. D. K. Samarakoon
State Ministry of Solar Power, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development
- D. D. Matharaarachchi
State Ministry of Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities and Boats and Shipping Industry Development
- Ranjith Dissanayake
State Ministry of Rural Roads and other Infrastructure
- A.K.W.W.M.N.K Weerasekara
State Ministry of Promotion of Indigenous Medicine, Development of Rural Ayurvedic Hospitals and Community Health
- R. Sunethra Gunawardana
State Ministry of Batik, Handloom Fabrics and Local Apparel Products
- K.M.S.D. Jayasekara
State Ministry of Women and Child Development, Pre-School and Primary Education, School Infrastructure and School Services
- W.B. Palugaswewa
State Ministry of Canals and Common Infrastructure Development in Settlements in Mahaweli Zones
- D. L. P. R. Abhayarathna
State Ministry of Development of Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Betel Production and Promotion of Allied Products and Export
- K. R. Uduwavala
State Ministry of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation
- J. M. Thilakaratne Banda
State Minister of Company Estate Reforms, Tea Estate Related Crops, Tea Factory Modernisation and Tea Export Promotion
- L. L. A. Wijesiri
State Ministry of Paddy and Cereals, Organic Food, Vegetables, Fruits, Chilies, Onions and Potatoes, Seed Production and High Tech Agriculture
- R.M.A. Rathnayake
State Ministry of Finance and Capital Markets and Public Enterprise Reforms
- D.D. Ariyarathna
State Ministry of Development of Rural Paddy Fields and Associated Tanks, Reservoirs and Irrigation
- Keerthi Ranjith Abesiriwardana
State Ministry of Rural Home Construction and Building Materials Industry Promotion
- S. M. D. L. D. Alwis
State Ministry of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Carriages and Automotive Industries
- M. Upali Sedara
State Ministry of Education Reforms, Promotion of Open Universities and Distance Learning
- Major General (Retired) W.P.P Fernando
State Ministry of Wildlife Conservation Protection Programmes including Electric Fence and Ditch Construction and Re-Forestation and Wildlife Resources Development
- Jayantha Chandrasoma
State Ministry of Ornamental Fish, Freshwater Fish and Shrimp Farming Development, Multi-day Fishing and Fish Export
- Ravindra Samarawickrema
State Ministry of Rural and School Sports Infrastructure Improvement
Susil Premajayantha was sworn in as the State Minister of Education Reforms, Promotion of Open Universities and Distance Learning before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The swearing in took place at the Presidential Secretariat today (26).
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera were also present.
- Kitul to be planted in landslide prone areas
- Strict laws to stop felling Palmyra trees
- 2 million home gardens to receive 4 million Coconut saplings
- Rubber trees to replace Fines in sloppy lands
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa revealed his intention to develop Kitul(Fishtail Palms) and Palmyra Palms plantation into main export crops of Sri Lanka in order to open a new avenue of foreign exchange earning..
President pointed out to the officials the requirement of an appropriate procedure to promote Kitul and Palmyra plantations and remove obstacles in the field in order to encourage production.
President advised the officials to take swift steps to establish a separate State Institute for Kitul and strictly enforce the laws prohibiting the cutting down of Palmyra trees.
He made these recommendations during a discussion to review the future plans of the State Ministry of Coconut, Kitul, Palmyra and Rubber Product Promotion and Allied Industrial Production and Export Diversification at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (August 25).
President Rajapaksa highlighted the importance of this State Ministry as it is capable of bringing in a large sum of foreign exchange into the country. President advised the officials to devise short term plans for the new State Ministry. When the subject of Coconut plantation was first taken up for discussion it was noted that the annual coconut production in the country is at 3 billion nuts and 1.8 billion nuts are used for local consumption. President highlighted the requirement of developing coconut plantations with the aim of increasing exports.
Instructions were given to expedite the plantation of coconut trees in identified lands in a number of areas including the Northern and Eastern provinces. Abandoned paddy lands identified by the Land Use Policy Planning Department will also be used for this purpose. Head of the Presidential Task Force for Economic Revival, Basil Rajapaksa stated that steps should be taken to plant 4 million coconut saplings in 2 million home gardens during September.
The proposal to set a fixed price for Coconuts was also discussed at the meeting. The need for using hybrid seeds for a better production was also discussed. Annual income from rubber exportation is Rs 600 million and strategies have been made to raise the revenue to Rs. 2000 million in 2020. President also suggested to introduce rubber variants and plantation of rubber trees in the slope areas instead of Fines trees.
Basil Rajapaksa highlighted the importance of restricting importation of rubber in order to encourage and strengthen the local rubber producers and rubber plantations. In addition, he also stressed the requirement of a procedure to import rubber only to meet the demand of the local manufacturers who are engaged in rubber-related products. The importance of ascertaining how the crape rubber exported from Sri Lanka is used in other countries for their production purposes was also stressed during the discussion
Minister Ramesh Pathirana, State Minister Arundika Fernando, Secretary to the President, P.B. Jayasundera, officials attached to both the Ministry and State Ministry and several representatives from plantation and production institutes were present at the meeting.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed officials not to allow Samurdhi subsidy to be a burden to the country but to make it an initiative that empowers low income families.
Poverty and social inequality can be minimized by opening new income avenues for the low-income strata of the society thereby making them high income earners. President emphasized that Samurdhi programme should be conducted giving priority to eliminate poverty.
It should be based on factors such as increasing the income of every family and developing the rural economy and strengthening the people-centric economy.
President made these remarks during a discussion to scrutinize future activities of the State Ministry of Samurdhi, Home Economy, Microfinance, Self-Employment, Businesses and Under-Utilized State Resources Development held at the Presidential Secretariat today (24).
Annually a total sum of Rs 50,000 million is allocated for Samurdhi program. It has to be a fruitful investment to the country. President stressed the need to rid Samurdhi beneficiaries of the mentality that it is a handout and to transform them into micro-entrepreneurs immediately. President also highlighted the requirement of follow-up evaluation in this matter.
A systematic procedure is necessary to keep the empowered Samurdhi beneficiary in the program and reap benefits for the country along the way. A regulation process is absolutely necessary to make microfinance loans productive. Development of financial literacy is an important task of microfinance institutes.
President highlighted the significance of utilizing citizens’ enthusiasm for an overall social change to develop the household economy.
“Introduction of new relief programs by banks for people who are struggling due to setbacks caused by the COVID 19 pandemic is vital at this point. They will uplift the lives of people and eventually lead to a better economy.” President Rajapaksa added.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa pointed out the importance of rightly identifying groups who really deserve Samurdhi benefits. The Prime Minister further said that the issue of microfinance loans has become a central problem which must be managed through a Credit Regulatory Authority Act or through an alternative Act.
Mr. Basil Rajapaksa said that the Government should immediately commence a process to solve all issues relating to land ownership that was one of prime expectations of the President.
The President said that we should initiate a process to uplift the household economy by commencing cultivations such as coconut, mango and jack. It was discussed in detail to immediately begin a scheme to transfer lands under the Wildlife and Forest Conservation Department to the District Secretariats in order to grant legal title to those having an interest on these lands.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival Basil Rajapaksa, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Treasury S. R. Attygalle, officials representing institutions under the Ministry of State and Senior Banking Officials attended this meeting.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited Dharmapalarama Vihara in Mount Lavinia yesterday (30) and called on the Chief Incumbent of the temple Uththarithara Mahanayake of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya Aggamaha Panditha Mahopadhyaya Most Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera.
President inquired into the well-being of the Maha Nayake Thera and engaged in pleasantries.
Later, the President visited Vidyalankara Pirivena in Peliyagoda and called on the Vidyalankara Parivenadipathi, Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya and Chief Sanghanayake of Colombo and Chilaw districts Most Ven. Velamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera.
Ven. Kusaladhamma Thera apprised the President regarding the current status of the construction works of the International Buddhist Conference Hall being built at the Vidyalankara Pirivena. President Rajapaksa promised the Thera that he will take measures to fast-track the construction works of the project.
President Rajapaksa who visited the Dharma Vijayaloka Temple in Kottawa called on the Mahanayake of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of Siyam Maha Nikaya and Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardanepura Most Ven. Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Thera and received the blessings
At the request of Maha Sangha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa decided to bring Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University and Buddhashravaka Bhiksu University under the purview of the Ministry of Education.
President also paid attention to the possibility of placing these two Universities under the University Grants Commission. President instructed the officials to conduct monitoring their activities in a proper manner under the supervision of the State Minister while safeguarding their identities.
This decision was taken by the President during the 05th meeting of the Buddhist Advisory Council held at the Presidential Secretariat today (21).
President said he will present the steps taken by the Government and their progress pertaining to the proposals and advice given by Maha Sangha at 04 previous meetings at the next session.
Pointing out that advice of the Buddhist Advisory Council have been used while formulating the structure of the State Ministries President said he expects the Maha Sangha to continue to guide the Government in policy preparations. He further said Dhamma Schools, Bhikku Education, Privenas and Buddhist Universities were brought under the direct supervision of a single State Ministry for their advancement.
Maha Sangha commended the President for his efforts to address the issues pertaining to Piriven education and endeavours to improve Dhamma school education by implementing a systematic procedure and regulation.
Anunayake of the Malwatta Chapter, Most Ven. Vijithasiri Nayaka Thero stated that the approach used to institute officers that of the Opposition Leader in the parliament was exemplary. Thero added that the people were repulsed by how the predecessors made appointments to the same offices.
Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most Ven. Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thero noted that the decision to minimize ministries will assist in saving taxpayers’ hard-earned money.
Additionally, Aranya Senasanadhipathi of Mithrigala, Ven. Udairiyagama Dhammajeewa Thero mentioned the importance of “virtuous mind” (Yahapath Sitha) in life and highlighted the significance of introducing it to the classroom.
Ven. Prof. Induragare Dhammarathana Thero highlighted the requirement of initiating an insurance scheme resembling Agrahara Insurance plan for Bhikku teachers, their parents, and siblings in their times of need, when they are hospitalized.
Most Venerable Diviyagaha Yasassi Nayaka Thero pointed out the importance of introducing a procedure to give marks for Certificates of Dhamma School Final Examination and the Dharmacharya Examination when offering the government jobs.
Most Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula Thera suggested that a discussion on Bhikkhu Education and Buddhist Education or a Sangayana on Theravada Buddhism is needed.
The Maha Sangha representing the Buddhist Advisory Council, officials including Principal Advisor to President, Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Prof. Kapila Perera, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Prof. Kapila Gunawardena and the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs Sunanda Kariyapperuma participated in this meeting.