The COVID-19 Health and Social Security Fund has allocated Rs. 36,605,812.00 to the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services to carry out essential PCR tests.
Chairman of the Management Committee of the Fund and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Prof. W.D Lakshman handed over the cheque pertaining to the allocation to the Secretary to the Ministry of Health Major General Consultant (Dr.) Sanjeewa Munasinghe today (24).
The money will be utilized to conduct PCR tests and health security consultation programmes.
Rs. 34,105,812.00 will be spent to purchase test kits for the PCR tests conducted by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura at the request of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services. Rs. 2.5 million has been allocated to purchase emergency and essential laboratory equipment with the aim of increasing the capacity of PCR tests conducted by the University of Jaffna.
COVID-19 Fund’s balance has now surpassed Rs. 1,525 million.
The COVID-19 Fund’s money have been released to the Director General of Health Services to facilitate measures taken to combat COVID-19 such as to purchase drugs, equipment and to conduct medical tests.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that pre-school system will be brought under the purview of a Ministry so that issues affecting it could be resolved.
During the President’s recent visits to several areas problems faced by pre-school teachers were bought to his attention. Last Thursday in Galle too nursery teachers discussed their difficulties with the President. In response, President said measures afoot to pay a monthly allowance to pre-school teachers.
President Rajapaksa emphasizes the significance of planning early childhood development, which is a decisive stage in the lives of children in accordance with the accepted standards and qualities.
President who is currently touring Matara District in support of the candidates of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) contesting August 5 Parliamentary Election made these remarks at a meeting organized by candidate Nipuna Ranawaka at Beach Park in Matara today (25).
“2020 Election Manifesto” of Mr. Ranawaka was also launched on the ocassion.
President commenced his tour in Matara from the playground of University of Ruhunu. Engaging in a discussion with the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena President inquired about academic activities of the University. Vice Chancellor informed that online teaching method is progressing well.
At the meeting organized by SLPP candidate and former State Minister Kanchana Wijesekara in front of Devinuwara Dewalaya several issues in the area including drinking water problem were presented to the President. Responding to the request from the public to resume rehabilitation activities at Dewinuwara Dewalaya which is currently on halt, President instructed relevant parties to immediately look into the matter.
Minister Dullas Alahapperuma was also present on the occasion.
Attending the meeting organized by candidate Manoj Sirisena at the car park near Uyanwatta Playground in Matara President engaged in a cordial discussion with the people present at the venue.
People gathered at Kamburupitiya Weekly fairground assured President a historical win at the upcoming general election to strengthen his administration.
The highest percentage of votes at electorate level was recorded from the Kamburupitiya electorate during the last Presidential election. The residents of the Kamburupitiya electorate said they would repeat it and strengthen President Rajapaksa’s administration in the upcoming general election.
The public gathering was organized by Minister Dallus Alahapperuma. President said he will take measures to fulfill the requests made by the public including paying compensation to those who were affected by the floods during the Yala Season in 2019, construction of a wall surrounding Karandeniya School’s playground and assisting cinnamon production and its exportation.
The President was informed of the irregularities of bus transportation in Hakmana, problem of lands without deeds and the requirement of a factory in the area to address unemployment, by the residents of Hakmana. These requests were made at a public meeting at the Hakmana City Hall premises organized by candidate Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana.
During a public gathering at Mulatiyana organized by the SLPP candidate Niroshan Premarathna residents in the area praised the President’s recent decision to permit Kitul industry to continue its productions.
President Rajapaksa also participated in public rallies organized by the candidates Sarath De Alwis and Weerasumana Weerasinghe at Urubokka Public Playground and New fair premises, Deniyaya respectively. People requested the President to expedite ongoing construction works of the hospital in Deniyaya.
In addition, the President attended the public gatherings organized by candidate Karunadasa Kodithuwakku in Akuressa and stated measures will be taken after the Election to re-cultivate abandoned paddy lands and to implement new town plan of Akuressa as well as the flood mitigation programme.
At the rally organized in the beach area in close vicinity to Weligama Bus Stand by former Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhana President Rajapaksa did not forget to converse with the crowd as well.
Following corporate, individual donations and direct deposits, ‘ITUKAMA’ COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund balance has now surpassed Rs. 1511 million.
Government employees of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council have donated Rs. 17,504,709.35 to the Fund. This sum was handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Tikiri Kobbekaduwa.
In addition, Mr. W.A. Upali Premathilaka Rs. 100,000.00, Ms. J. Lalitha Robinson Rs. 10,000.00, Honus Brothers & Mr. Lalanda Rs. 5,000, Ms. Kanate Gedara Eliza Rs.10, 000.00, Mr. B.M. Rathnayake Rs.10, 000.00, Mr. T.L. Premarathne Rs.5,000.00, Mr. K.C.S.K. Premalal Rs.500.00, Mr. K.R. Danuja Thikshana Rs.1,500.00, Kegalle District Sasanarakshaka Mandalaya Rs. 687,500.00 and the Mawanella Bhikkhu Balamandalaya and Mawanella Sasanarakshaka Balamandalaya Rs. 250,000.00 donated to the Fund. These donations were handed over to President Rajapaksa.
Parents of the medical students at the Kursk State Medical University in Russia have donated Rs.115, 000.00 to the Fund. Secretary and the staff of the Central Provincial Council Rs.44,500.00, the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration Rs. 111,899.82, engineer L.W.D. Danansuriya Rs. 100,000.00 and Rubber Development Department Rs. 96,696.04 donated to the Fund.
The Fund’s balance has now reached Rs. 1,511,158,364.14.
Local, as well as foreign donors, have made their contributions to the Fund. Deposits can be made through cheques, telegraphic transfers, via www.itukama.lk or by dialling #207#.
For further information contact through 0760700700/ 011232088 / 0112354340 or 0112424012.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured to bequeath the future generation a country free from the drug menace.
Several measures are already in place to prevent drug infiltration and distribution. President emphasized the country will be freed from drugs similar to that of terrorism.
President made these comments at a public gathering organized near Kiribathgoda Shopping complex today (22) to support candidates of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) contesting August 5 General Election.
The gathering was organized by candidate Prasanna Ranaweera. Maha Sanga led by Prof. Ven. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thero invoked blessings on the President.
President heeded to the requests by the public to construct a housing scheme for the residents in Peliyagoda prone to flash floods and to set up a pumping station in Pethiyagoda. People also apprised the President of the current status of the Kiribathgoda Hospital and issues related to lands. They also requested the President not to halt investigations into Easter Sunday attacks.
Minister Prasanna Ranatunge and candidate Sisira Jakody were present on the occasion.
President inspected the jogging path near Siyambalape junction which is in a dilapidated condition due to lack of proper maintenance. People requested the President to renovate it and develop the surrounding area as a self-employment center akin to Diyatha Uyana.
The President who participated at the public gathering organized by candidate Dulip Wijesekara at Siyabalape Junction, Biyagama was told by the public more than 400 acres of paddy land can be cultivated by renovating the Biyagama Waduwegama and Kottunna tanks. They also apprised the President of the difficulties faced by them for a long period of time due to inadequate operations of SLTB buses.
The President also attended a public meeting organized by former State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna near Sub Post Office in Dalupitiya Road. The President was warmly welcomed by the people gathered at the venue and appreciated his efforts to eradicate the drug menace from the country.
President Rajapaksa also joined the public meeting organized by candidate Sahan Pradeep near Kadawatha private bus stand. People gathered at the venue requested the President to construct a sports complex in Mahara Kadawatha and to repair the dilapidated roads.
The requests by the people which will take time to be fulfilled will be scrutinized and necessary steps will be taken in the future.
The people in Gampaha district pledged to strengthen the hands of the President by giving him a landslide victory for the SLPP at the forthcoming Parliamentary election so that the initiatives introduced by him to take the country forward in a new direction can be successfully completed.
The public made this promise when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa joined a public gathering held in Gampaha district.
The people stressed that it is the responsibility of the people to extend support to the President ensuring a stable and strong Parliament as the upcoming general election is a decisive millstone in framing the future of the country.
Office employees complained of many hardships that they have to face as a result of non-stopping the Intercity Express trains at the Ragama Railway Station. The people gathered at the public meeting held near the car park of Ragama Railway Station requested the President to look into this matter.
Candidate Madhu Madhawa Aravinda had organized the meeting. Sea erosion has had a major negative impact on the daily life of fisher folk in Uswetakeiyyawa area. A group of fishermen told the President the effect could be minimized with the construction of a fisheries harbor.
President also participated in a meeting organized by candidate Nimal Lanza in Nayakakanda Playground in Wattala. The President was also briefed on the issues faced by the fishing community in the area due to illegal sand mining.
Attending meetings organized by candidates Merali Perera in Ja-Ela and candidate Sudarshani Fernandopulle near Govijana Seva Center in Katana President engaged in cordial discussion with the people present at venues.
President was warmly welcomed by the people in the area when he attended meetings organized by candidate Indika Anuruddha in Divulapitiya town and candidate Kokila Hanrshani in Meerigama Bus Stand.
A group of United National Party supporters present at the venue said that they are pleased with the manner President is leading the country and will support SLPP at the Parliamentary Election.
President invited all the patriotic people to join hands to rebuild the country.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed officials to look into and address teacher shortage and other issues in schools in Nuwara Eliya district.
Attention was drawn to appoint teachers from Nuwara Eliya itself and closest districts in order to fill existing teaching vacancies. President also took measures to provide on the spot solutions to other shortcomings in schools including the lack of sports and extracurricular facilities as voiced by students.
President issued these directives at a public gathering in Thalawakale today (21) organized in support of the Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna candidates contesting forthcoming Parliamentary election. The meeting was organized by candidate Palani Shakthivel and candidate Jeewan Thondaman was also present.
The public apprised the President of alleged frauds and misconducts at Lindula Urban Council.
A girl child J. Vidusha, a Grade 5 student at Thalawakele Sumana Secondary School donated the collection of her piggy bank for the COVID Fund.
The President who participated in the public meetings organized by candidates Arulanandam Philip Kumar at Maskeliya Urban Development car park and Rameshwaran at the Pudaluoya TC Ground engaged in a cordial discussion with the people gathered at the venue.
Issues related to official residence of the Regional Medical Officers were also brought to the attention of the President when he attended the public meeting held at the Kotagala town. Candidate Jeewan Thondaman had organized the gathering.
President Rajapaksa participating at the public meeting organized by candidate Kanagapathi Kanagaraj at the Norwood Thondaman Ground instructed the former State Minister C.B. Rathnayake to take necessary steps to establish a Divisional Secretariat in the Norwood town.
Earlier in the day while touring Nuwara Eliya, President Rajapaksa stated that he would introduce a mechanism enabling vegetable farmers to sell their products at a fair price ultimately securing a financially stable future for them.
President highlighted that distribution of vegetables, fruits and other products should be carried out in as quickly as possible benefiting both customer and the farmer.
The President made these pledges at a public gathering organized in Walapane Weekly Fair premises by former State Minister C.B Rathnayake and candidate Nimal Piyathissa.
The farmers informed the President that the state bank loan system does not help them in their farming endeavours. “State entities in Nuwara Eliya district are left with a number of vacancies. Appointees to these institutes opt for transfers to other areas in a short period of time, leaving their posts vacant. As a result residents of the area are driven to face a number of hardships in meeting their needs.” They added.
Students of the Poramadulla Central College made a request to the President to improve the state of their playground and connect it to their school with a bridge. President directed this request to the Army Commander and advised him to look into this issue and resolve it immediately. In addition, the President directed the other issues presented by the locals to the respective authorities.
Maha Sanga blessed President Rajapaksa by chanting pirith during a meeting at Rikillagaskada Pradheshiya Saba Playground organized by the former Minister S.B. Dissanayake.
The President instructed the authorities to inspect and report with regard to the request made by the Maha Sanga to establish a ward for clergy in Walapane Hospital.
President Rajapaksa who participated in a public gathering in Kandhapola fair premises organized by the SLPP candidate Sathasivam Suppaiya was warmly welcomed by the local Tamil community. The President received blessings from Tamil religious leaders during the gathering.
Farmers also requested the President to provide them with standard seed potatoes to address the shortage of Potatoes.
President Rajapaksa did not forget to speak with the crowd along the way to Nuwara Eliya from Kandapola.
The resident of Nuwara Eliya requested the President to preserve the environment of Nuwara Eliya without harming the surrounding mountain range, at the public rally organized in close vicinity to Gregory Lake. President commended the self-employers’ “Budget pack” business venture to sell vegetables and fruits carried out by a group of local women. Issues in relation to the tourism industry and lands without deeds were also presented to the President.
Former state minister C.B. Rathnayake, S.B. Dissanayake and former spinner Muttiah Muralitharan were also present on the occasion.
- Additional provisions from forthcoming budget
- Long-term solution urged
- Measures to explore new market opportunities
Before 2015 price of pepper per kilo gram stood between Rs. 1,500-1,300. However, it had now come down to Rs. 450-500. The price of raw pepper per kilo is between Rs.150-175.
During recent visits by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to several districts, farmers requested him to safeguard the cultivators by taking measures to increase the pepper price.
A discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat today (20) to review actions that need to be taken to find a long-term solution pertaining to the pepper price.
Sri Lanka is among the world’s best pepper producers. The demand is high for Sri Lankan pepper in the world market. India buys around 75% of Sri Lankan pepper exports. There is a high demand from America and European countries as well.
In recent years, low quality pepper from Vietnam had been imported, mixed with locally grown pepper and re-exported to the world market. In this context, the demand for pepper in countries including India has decreased drastically.
“After my assumption to office the importation of pepper was halted completely. As a result of this step yet again the environment has been created to export high quality pepper. We should win the foreign market by appraising the buyer countries through all the diplomatic missions”, President stressed.
The attention was drawn to increase quota for pepper following consultations with India. The President pointed out that our key strategy should be to supply pepper as a value-added product to the world market.
It was discussed in detail how to increase the demand for pepper worldwide, by encouraging new exporters and the development of post-harvest techniques.
President instructed the institutes led by the Ministry of Agriculture to jointly plan necessary steps for drying, sterilization and setting up of processing centers at district level to add more value to pepper. It has also decided to allocate funds for equipment from the next budget.
President also advised the officials to take steps to encourage farmers towards pepper cultivation and to provide required knowledge to them.
President Rajapaksa emphasized that the end result of all the decisions should be to ensure maximum price for the pepper harvest. The President giving advice to implement all the decisions immediately said that the target of the next year should be to receive higher prices for the pepper productions.
Secretary to the President, P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, S.R. Attygalle, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Major General (retd) Sumedha Perera, Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture, Ravindra Hewavitharana, Secretary to the Ministry of Industrial Export and Investment Promotion, M.P.D.U. K. Mapa Pathirana, Secretary to the Ministry of Industries J.A. Ranjith, pepper exporters and officials participated in this meeting.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says the proposed Ratnapura Urban Development Plan will give the city a new look. A fully fledged bus stand in the center of Ratnapura town will also be constructed under the new plan.
The President made these remarks participating at the public gathering held near the Seevali Ground, Ratnapura, today, (19) in support of the candidates of Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) contesting August 5th election.
Former Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne and candidate Mr. Ranjith Bandara had organized the public meeting.
The construction work on Colombo-Ratnapura Expressway has commenced, the President said. The request made by the people to renovate the Gilimale Hospital was referred to Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.
The President also participated in a public meeting organized by candidate Mr. Premalal Jayasekara in front of the Nivithigala bus stand. People apprised the President on the issue of not having title deeds to lands for about 35,000 people, who are living on the lands belonging to the old railway line from Avissawella to Opanayaka. The President instructed the relevant officials to investigate the possible course of action that could be taken in this regard.
The people requested the President to enforce stern legal actions against drug traffickers and rapists and pledged that they will extend their fullest support to the efforts of the President to build a safer country.
The President, who participated in the public meetings organized by Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and former State Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara near the Eheliyagoda Divisional Secretariat and former State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura in front of the Kalawana, Ayagama Weekly Fair premises engaged in a cordial discussion with the people gathered at the venue.
The difficulties faced by the gem miners were brought to the attention of the President. The President agreed to take steps for the issuance of gem licenses by a single agency covering all divisions of the field.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has stated that plans are afoot to promote pepper cultivation as a major export crop.
India is the major buyer of pepper from Sri Lanka and other countries. India purchases pepper on a quota basis. Increasing the quota given to Sri Lanka is one of the key elements of the strategy. In addition, steps will be taken to identify new markets for local pepper. Farmers are encouraged to export pepper as a finished product. The President pointed out that more revenue could be earned by exporting pepper in packets and developing new pepper based products to the world market.
Issues faced by the pepper cultivators were presented to President Rajapaksa when he participated at the public gathering held at the Godakawela Pradeshiya Sabha grounds, today (19) in support of the candidates of Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) contesting August 5th election. President responded positively to these issues and explained the new plans afoot to develop the industry.
The President paid special attention to the request to resolve the issues relating to the Nindagam and traditional lands that comes under the Sabaragamuwa Saman Devalaya.
The people also requested the President to establish an Organic Fertilizer Plant and a seed production facility. The President instructed the relevant officials to investigate and prepare a report in this regard.
Another request that made was for carpeting the Ridivita – Market Road. Responding to this issue, the President said that it would be completed swiftly under the 100,000 km road construction programme. Sand mining in Weli Oya was handed over to a private company during the previous government. The President was informed by the people about the illegal sand mining in violation of the license conditions. President Rajapaksa instructed the officials to conduct an immediate review into the matter.
On his way back from the Godakawela public meeting, the President had a friendly conversation with the staff of the Godakawela Pradeshiya Sabha. During this meeting, the President looked into their well-being and asked what the problems they face were.
In response to yet another request by the people, the President said that the government will take steps to build a crematorium and to develop the stadium.
Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Former Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne, Former Ministers of State Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Kanchana Jayaratne were also present on this occasion.
The President’s Ratnapura District tour commenced at the Mahaweli Stadium, Embilipitiya.
President also participated in a public meeting organized by candidates Sunny Rohana Kodithuwakku and Miuru Bhashitha Liyanage near the Anagarika Dharmapala Children’s Park in Embilipitiya New Town.
President paid special attention to the issue of widespread illegal drug trafficking in the area. President Rajapaksa said that a comprehensive programme was already underway to bring large scale drug traffickers before the law. The President also said that the support of the people was essential to achieve success in this programme and requested to provide information immediately on those who involved in drug trade in rural areas.
Issues related to Mahaweli lands were also brought to the attention of the President.
The Ellewela Irrigation Project launched during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s regime has been abandoned halfway. The people of the area informed the President if the project was completed it will meet the drinking and cultivating water needs of about 70% of the people in the area. The President instructed the officials to allocate funds from this year’s budget and complete the project expeditiously.
Later, the President also participated in a public meeting held at the Rakwana – Godakawela Balawinna Maha Vidyalaya Ground. He noted the students’ request to construct a new building for the school and said that the request would be fulfilled without delay with the assistance of the Army.
Candidate Mrs. Muditha Priyanthi Soyza has organized this meeting.
The President who participated in the public meetings organized by candidates Akila Ellawala and Gamini Walegoda and engaged in a cordial discussion with the people gathered at the venue.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told the people in Kegalle a special programme will be launched to mitigate disastrous consequences of landslides that frequently occur in the district.
President made this pledge while attending several public gatherings organized in Kegalle district today (18). President Rajapaksa is in Kegalle in support of the candidates of Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) contesting August 5th election.
President joined public rallies organized by candidates Rajika Wickramasinghe and W. Jayaratne in Lavana Fair ground in Bulathkohupitiya and Dippitiya, Aranayake respectively. People warmly welcomed the President while Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith to invoke blessings on the President.
Responding to queries by the public, President Rajapaksa said native crops will receive a higher price in the future as import of minor crops has been halted.
After listening to requests of the people President instructed officials to develop Bulathkohupitiya – Yatiyanthota road.
President paid special attention to the request of protecting the youth from illegal drug menace prevalent in the area.
He also attended the public meeting organized by the SLPP candidate Indunil Shantha Gunasekara at Mayurapada College playground where he engaged in cordial discussions with the residents of the area.
Issues faced by the health workers were presented and the people discussed the importance of amending age-old laws in order to revive Co-operative Movement to which President responded positively.
Steps taken by the President for the benefit of the country was highly commended by the people and they pledged to work in utmost commitment to secure 2/3rd majority for the incumbent government in the upcoming election.
President also participated in meetings organized by candidates Saman Jayasinghe, former Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and candidate Udayakantha Gunathilleke.
Earlier in the day, during meetings at Deraniyagala Sirisaman Central College playground and Children’s Park in Deraniyagala President Rajapaksa stated that priority will be given to promote local rubber cultivation and production while assuring a reasonable price for rubber. This will be instrumental in attracting unemployed persons to the industry, President said. Those who engaged in the rubber industry do not receive a proper price for their products due to the involvement of middlemen. Hence, the number of people occupied in the sector is less, people pointed out. Spice producers too voiced their grievances.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa toured Ampara district today (17) in support of the candidates of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) contesting the forthcoming General Election.
In Padiyathalawa, upon a request by the residents, the President instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Roads Development to expand the existing road runs through Padiyathalawa town into a 4-lane road.
In response to the directive issued by the President, Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supplies Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama said immediate measures will be taken to supply water from Ambakan Oya Project in order to resolve the issue of water scarcity in the villages of Keeramana, Serankada and Marangala.
President advised the former State Minister Wimalaweera Dissanayake to formulate a mechanism to pay compensation for the crops destroyed by the plague of Sena caterpillar.
It was also decided to appoint a committee to address the issues of the public pertaining to Mahaweli lands. Attention was paid to rehabilitate tanks and small irrigations in the area and to address the issue of human-elephant conflict.
Responding to the problem of unemployment, President Rajapaksa said a programme has been mooted to provide 100,000 jobs after the elections as stated in Saubhagyaye Dekma manifesto. President highlighted the importance of enhancing labour training.
President also responded to a request for setting up an economic center to sell the harvest from the area including lime and grains.
President was also apprised of the issue of non-availability of opportunities for youth to follow technical courses in rural areas. President Rajapaksa instructed relevant officials to conduct a study and take remedial steps.
President said he will forward the request to re-open schools soon to the Minister of Education.
Candidate Dr. Thilak Rajapaksa was also present on the occasion.
The President who joined the public gathering organized at 69 Handiya in Maha Oya by Mr. Keerthi Sri Weerasinghe engaged in a cordial discussion with the residents of the area and inquired into their well-being.
The President told the people gathered at the venue that the government will take steps to issue licences for ancestral lands and lands in close proximity to reservations that have been used for cultivation purposes without licences.
They also drew the President’s attention to the issues relating to drinking water supply.
The Maha Sangha invoked blessings on the President when he arrived at the public gathering organized at the Mahaoya Weekly Fair ground. The Maha Sangha commended the measures taken by the President to protect the public by preventing the spread of coronavirus in the country.
A group of indigenous people also attended the public meeting organized by Mr. Keerthi Sri Weerasinghe.
The President also joined the public gathering organized by Mr. Wimalaweera Dissanayake in front of the Uhana Provincial Council.
President Rajapaksa informed the people gathered at the venue that the government will take steps to supply water to cultivate over 300 acres of abandoned lands as well as to return the lands acquired by the Wildlife Department to the public. The President further said that it is a priority of the government to resolve the drinking water and cultivation water issues affecting the people in many areas in consultation with the relevant institutions as soon as possible.
President Rajapaksa instructed the farmers not to sell their paddy harvest below the government guaranteed price.
The President attending the public gathering organized by the Former Minister of State Sriyani Wijewickrama at the Namal Oya, Salgas Junction Weekly Fair premises said that instructions have already been given to solve the problems faced by pre-school teachers in many areas.
People also requested the President to introduce a mechanism to provide facilities for unemployed women in the area to pursue self-employment.
The people pointed out the requirement of renovation of the Namal Oya tank in Ampara.
The President also joined the public gatherings organized by Mr. Wimalaweera Dissanayake and Mr. W.D. Weerasinghe at Green Park in Ampara Urban Council and Higurana Weekly Fair premises respectively.
President Rajapaksa pledged the people to take steps to provide compensation for the crop damage caused by the Sena caterpillar and to halt the illegal import of Ethanol into the country.
The people acclaimed the President for the re-opening of the Hingurana Sugar Factory.