 President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that while engaging
in the crucial task of eradicating terrorism, the
Government has not in any way abandoned or fallen
short of their obligations to develop the country,
in particular the rural areas, via the ‘Gama Neguma’
and ‘Maga Neguma’ programmes.
Addressing a public rally in Ratnapura yesterday
(March 02) to apprise the nation on the current
political scenario and the future development
programmes of the Government (the sixth in a series
of rallies to-date), President Rajapaksa Development
which was confined only to Colombo and its suburbs
in the past, has now shifted to the remotest
village,” he remarked.
The Samurdhi subsidy has been enhanced.
Privatisation has been stopped. The fertiliser
subsidy is still in operation.
President Rajapaksa reiterated that until such time
every inch of land is captured and the last
terrorist is destroyed, his Government will not
cease its liberation operations against the LTTE.
“We are no longer a poor country thriving on aid and
subsidies of the world. Our per capita income has
risen to US$ 1,625 now. We need not put our head
down to anybody, but we are prepared to listen to
constructive criticism and prudent advice of
others,” the President said.
We are determined to implement the Mahinda Chinthana
to the very letter,” he noted. “Our aim and ambition
is to establish an environment where people of all
races and faiths could live in harmony, sans fear or
suspicion,” the President added.
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