PM says Sri Lanka will achieve greater success under current leadership

Sri Lanka will achieve greater success under the current leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena and even surpass the economic development achieved during former President J. R. Jayawardena’s government, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted on Monday.

“I am pleased to announce that under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena we will achieve greater successes within the next five years more than what we did during President J. R. Jayawardena’s term,” the Premier said speaking at an event held to declare open the 289-feet high Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya.

He said the Hambantota District would be full of factories and the entire Western Province will be transformed into a new city with the establishment of more industries.

Digital technology and IT knowledge will be enhanced, Kandy will be transformed into a new city, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee will be developed, and new houses will be constructed in Jaffna, the PM said. The lands and properties will be released in upcountry and one million jobs will be created, he added.

“I didn’t think we will be able to surpass J.R. Jayawardena’s achievements during my time. But I am pleased to say under President Maithripala Sirisena we can do this,” the Prime Minister said. Speaking of reconciliation, the Prime Minister said despite the end of the war seven years ago, Sri Lanka did not achieve true peace.

“The war ended, but we did not achieve peace. Today under President Sirisena, we are uniting all the people in the country and moving forward to peace.”

The Premier said a new constitution will be established to achieve peace through unity amongst all parties.

He said just as the international community provided support for the Mahaweli project, they are granting more aid for other development projects.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said the Government now has the opportunity to unite the masses and develop the country.