President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that an effective road network together with other infrastructure facilities would ensure that the common masses would receive the benefits of development efforts. Addressing senior officials at a discussion at Temple Trees on road development in the Hambantota district yesterday (May 19), he said there should be a common approach to uplift and maintain the country’s road network.

President Rajapaksa stressed the need for having an effective mechanism for the maintenance of the road network to pass the dividends of the country’s development effort to the common masses. He said the provision of infrastructure facilities such as construction of street lights and a sound drainage system should go hand in hand with the road development if the people are to receive its real benefits.

The damage caused by the lack of a proper drainage system to the road network was also discussed at this meeting.

Highways Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva pointed out that the country needed a well planned road network and attractive cities. He added that planting of trees on road sides and maintenance of green pastures would curb the erosion caused by incessant rains.

Hambantota District parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said all stakeholders should work as a team to carry forward the President’s vision. Rajapaksa added that the road network in the Hambantota district would be fully upgraded.

He said Hambantota city would be converted to an attractive city. Urban Development Authority, Electricity Board, NWS and DB, Mahaweli Authority and Wildlife Department officials participated in this meeting.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Highways Ministry Secretary Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda were also present.