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Tuesday, 9 December 2014 01:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The minister said this at a ceremony held recently where water lines were laid at Mirigama, Weweldeniya.
Speaking further, he stated: “Today, we are commencing six water supply schemes to supply potable water to ten thousand people in the Gampaha District. Not only in Sri Lankan history, but in world history as well there are instances where war has erupted due to water and in the same way peace has collapsed and peace has dawned due to water. This has happened in our country as well. Peace dawned in our country as a result of water. When the terrorists closed the Mavilaru Anicut, not only the Sinhalese and the Muslims, but the Tamils were also deprived of water. Prabhakaran and Ranil entered into an agreement. I am not aware whether he was the Executive Prime Minister at that moment, but the country was divided into two due to this pact.
“Our people could not go to the areas under their control even in civil clothes, let alone with weapons and in uniforms. Even the devotees who were visiting Madhu Church had to fill in three forms. One copy had to be given to the LTTE, one copy had to be retained while the other had to be surrendered to the LTTE bunker at the Madhu junction. Mavilaru was closed under such a background. There were five countries to observe the ceasefire agreement. In addition, there were co-chairmen from five countries.
“At that time, the President arrived at a decision, but they stated that this is an international pact and we cannot go against it. If the agreement was violated, it will become an international issue. When the Mavilaru Anicut was closed, it would be a breach of human rights, depriving water to the people. At that time the President, as the commander-in-chief, gave orders to our heroes and stated that he will deal with international problems. He told the international community that he gained power in the country not for personal gains and even if he had to go to gallows he would do the needful.
“Ultimately, our heroes sacrificed their limbs and lives and won the war. Now the time has come for the people to show their gratitude and do their duty. When I became the district leader for Gampaha, there were six leaders from this district. Then Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told me that in spite of being the district of highest population, Gampaha is a district with a scarcity of water. Therefore, I have done a fair amount of work to solve the problem of potable water shortage in this area. Minister Dinesh Gunawardena extended full assistance in this regard. Most of the 1.6 million people in this district will benefit from six water schemes which will commence today.”
Concurrent to the pipe laying program in Mirigama, Weweldeniya, the minister also participated at a series of ceremonies connected with the opening of the Dompe Udumapitigama Water Supply Scheme, laying pipelines for Mahara Aramangoda, the Yakkala Kirindiwela scheme and the placement of foundation stones for the Minuwangoda water tower, the Attanagalla water tower and the opening of the Presidential election office at Mirigama. Ministers Dinesh Gunawardena, Pandu Bandaranayake, Dulip Wijesekera, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Sarana Gunawardena, Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and a host of state officials attended these functions along with a large gathering of well-wishers from the areas.
