Govt. has blessings of Maha Sangha – Basil

Thursday, 10 April 2014 01:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development stated that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed to seek advice and blessings of the all religious leaders including the reverend Maha Sangha in the developing process of the country since the history records that it has been possible to convert the country into an independent, unified and prosperous country whenever the country was governed by the leaders under guidance of the Maha Sangha.

The Minister added that due benefits of the development will not be accrued in the absence of moral development, in spite of achieving physical and economic development. Therefore, he explained, leadership and guidance of religious leaders is essential to achieve moral development in the process of implementing each and every development programme at village level. This was so stated by the Minister while addressing the meeting held recently ( 05) at Sri Bodhi Esplanade at Gampaha , launching an awareness programme for the benefit of Peoples’ Representatives, state officials and leaders of community based Organizations in the Gampaha District on “ Rata Neguma” National Development Plan proposed to be implemented in 2014 by the Ministry of Economic Development. Those present at the meeting were made aware of the provision allocated by the Ministry of Economic Development for development works in the Gampaha District. Accordingly, the Minister revealed that sums amounting to Rs. 260 Million through the Divi Neguma Department for livelihood improvement programmes in Gampaha, Rs. 1177 Million for One Village One Work programme, Rs. 768 Million for additional development activities totaling Rs. 1945 Million Under Gama Neguma Programme will be set apart, in addition to Rs. 2583 Million for Basnahira Ran Aruna Program, Rs. 94 Million for Reconstruction of irrigation, Rs. 350 Million for construction of access roads and Rs. 78 Million for improvement of sanitary facilities in schools under Palath Neguma Program. The allocations set apart will include Rs. 90 Million under Decentralized Budget, Rs. 325 Million for Peoples Representatives in the ruling party as well as the Opposition making a total contribution of Rs. 5763 Million from the Ministry of Economic Development alone for the Gampaha District.

The Minister directed those present to utilize a major share of these allocations for development activities aimed at improving the income of the people in Gampaha. Since most of the requirements of infrastructure facilities in Gampaha District has been fulfilled, he further emphasised that more attention in this year will be focussed on activities pertaining to economic development of the people. Minister Felix Perera, Deputy Ministers Sarath Kumara Gunaratne, Sarana Gunawardena, Lasantha Algiyawanna and Dulip Wijesekera and ding Prasanna Ranatunga, Chief Minister of Western province, Wasantha Senanayake, Member of Parliament, Provincial, Town Council and Pradeshiya Sabha Representatives including Chandan Jayakodi, Provincial Councillor along with Mr. J.J.Ratnasiri, District Secretary, Gampaha District and a host of state officials among the large gathering.