Growing more food and stepping up productivity was the only way forward to bring down the inevitable global phenomenon of inflation, develop the country and enhance the livelihoods of its people, while simultaneously eradicating terrorism in all its forms and launching multi-faceted mega development projects in diverse spheres, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa at 18th General Meeting of Sri Lanka Freedom Party at Temple Trees yesterday (March 30).

“I am extremely glad at the fall in consumption of wheat-flour based products. This is a greater achievement than even the liberation of the East from the terrorists.

Despite the fact that we possess very fertile lands, the consumption of wheat was forced upon us, initially by the provision of wheat free of charge, and later on credit, until we were addicted to it.”

He stressed that with all the ongoing development and progress, the inculcation of social, cultural, moral and spiritual values, was also of paramount importance for a just society, and such programmes as Mathata Thitha had been launched with success, for that purpose.

President made special reference to the achievements of the SLFP founded by the late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and nurtured by other great party leaders.