Country should return to a self-sufficient economy: Basil

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa recalled the uplifting of Sri Lanka’s agriculture and the farming community following the introduction of the Paddy Lands Act by Philip Gunawardene and stressed the need to return to the self-sufficient economy of the pre-colonial era.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa said this at a commemoration ceremony held in connection with the 112th birth anniversary of Philip Gunawardene at the Seethawaka Abhimana Awards presentation ceremony held parallel to the Seethawaka Abhimana historic, cultural and educational exhibition 2013 at the Sri Piyarathana Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, Padukka.

Minister Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest at the awards ceremony where awards were presented to persons who had performed social, economic and educational services for Seethawaka.

He further said that after the Paddy Lands Act was passed and implemented stage by stage, the first stage was implemented under the leadership of the Rajapaksas of Hambantota District. He added that the Rajapaksas of Giruwapaththuwa had a close relationship with the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna in that era.

A large crowd attended the three-day exhibition organised by the Seethawaka Heritage Foundation.

Rajapaksa recalled that when Philip Gunawardene, known as the Lion of Boralugoda, introduced the Paddy Lands Act, the then Opposition and other groups had tried to obstruct it but he had succeeded in getting parliamentary approval for this progressive act, which was one the developments that eventually led to present-day self-sufficiency in rice.

In addition to agriculture Philip Gunawardene had also taken steps to uplift the fisheries industry by introducing mechanised vessels that helped to do fishing in the high seas, according to Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa also appreciated the strong support Minister Dinesh Gunawardene gave in getting parliamentary approval for the Divi Neguma Bill.

Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Geethanjana Gunawardene and former Colombo Mayor Prasanna Gunawardena were among those who attended the event.