President sets poverty alleviation as top priority in New Year

President Maithripala Sirisena has advised officials to prepare development plans in the New Year making eliminating poverty of the people top priority of the government.

The President also stressed the need to further strengthen and implement special programs, paying special attention to combating all forms of problems that are detrimental to society, such as drug trafficking.

President Sirisena made these remarks at the progress review meeting of the “Pibidemu Polonnaruwa” (Awakening Polonnaruwa) District Development Program held at the Polonnaruwa District Secretariat on 1 January.

The progress of the Awakening Polonnaruwa program in 2018, and the plans for 2019, were reviewed during the meeting.

The Polonnaruwa District Secretary pointed out that Rs. 9.615 billion was spent in 2018 for the development of the Polonnaruwa District, which has missed development over the years, and its financial progress is 100%.

The discussion focused on the progress of programs implemented in the District for the eradication of poverty and the eradication of drugs, and also focused on providing solutions to the human resource shortage existing in State institutions.

Discussions also focused on the development of Polonnaruwa town, including the construction of the new bus stand and garbage management projects.

The President also instructed officials to implement special programs under the “Awakening Polonnaruwa” program for the development of agriculture in the District, as there is a new awakening of agriculture activities with the prevailing favourable weather.

The President also inspected the progress of the “Ruk Ropana” Tree Planting Program, and instructed officials to implement a program jointly with the Provincial Education Office and the District Secretariat to distribute seedlings to school children.

The President also distributed stalls to eight merchants near the Potgul Vehera in Polonnaruwa.

Meanwhile, a discussion on new development proposals for 2019 in the Polonnaruwa District was also held under the patronage of President Sirisena. All MPs have been called for the meeting, disregarding party affiliations.

The President discussed the future development of the District, and instructed all Local Government representatives to submit proposals for development projects to his office before 10 January.

The President said that following discussions on which projects should be given priority and implemented, steps will be taken to expedite the implementation of the priority projects.

The President also called on all to give their fullest support, regardless of their party colours, for the development projects that are essential to the people.