President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that the people have kept great confidence in the government's development plans and it is the responsibility of the officials to carry them out without letting down the people’s expectations.

He made this statement at the progress review meeting of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council in Ratnapura yesterday (31).

The President advised the officials not to commence development projects without allocating the required funds. He stressed that the benefit of all development projects carried out by the government must go to the people and every cent earned by the government should be spent on their wellbeing.

At this meeting, the "Sabaragamuwa Arunalokaya", a development programme under the guidelines of 'Mahinda Chintana', was launched.

The President also discussed with the officials the social and economic situation prevailing in the Ratnapura and Kegalle districts.

President Rajapaksa gave instructions to the relevant officials to expedite the construction work of roads and bridges in the Ratnapura and Kegalle districts.

He added that all small and medium irrigation systems and canals must be speedily renovated for the benefit of farmers in these districts for the next Maha season.

"When developing the roads system, identify the fundamental requirements in the area", he told the officials.

President Rajapaksa also pointed out the importance of a national policy when implementing development projects in the country. He said everybody should be committed to carry forward the development programmes throughout the country, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

The President also instructed the officials not to construct buildings in playgrounds and advised them to consider improving sports with the coordination of the Sports Ministry.

He said that development plans must be designed in line with national policies and added that there are no party differences when it comes to development of the country.

President Rajapaksa stressed that every district need not be industrialized as focus must also be given to agriculture and service development.