Development not at cost of environment – President

Development projects will not be carried out at the cost of the environment or by causing hardships to the people, although the country is on the path of rapid economic development, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

The President said projects which will cause loss of personal property on a large scale and environment degradation will be rejected and added his government was not prepared to implement projects which would cause hardships to a section of the people to benefit others.

He said certain Opposition elements were trying to obtain political mileage from the issue while spreading falsehoods to mislead the people. “The government’s policy in respect of all affairs will continue to be guided by the vital interests and well- being of the people. This will not yield to any other consideration,” he said.

President Rajapaksa was speaking at the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) election rally in support of its candidates contesting the upcoming polls from the Ratnapura district to the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council on Saturday.

The President said the government has not neglected any village.

“Development activities are taking place in all of them in line with the policy of achieving equity in development,” he said.

Speaking on the upcoming PC polls, President Rajapaksa said Provincial Councils and other local government bodies were playing a very constructive role in developing villages, districts and provinces.

He said the government will ensure that such local bodies will meet their obligations in working towards realising people’s aspirations. The President said the government laid emphasis on developing human resources and education of children. President Rajapaksa said the government provided jobs to graduates, professional and other skilled people. Speaking on migrant employees, he said the government’s efforts has drastically reduced women going abroad to work as maids while increasing the migration of skilled professionals, both male and female.

When the public queried from the President who was going to be the Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister when the UPFA records victory on September 8, the President said the most suitable will be appointed.

The election rally was held at the public grounds in Ratnapura town. A mammoth crowd attended the meeting, despite the inclement weather. Several UNP activists including politicians Ratnapala Walegoda, Shantha Suduwella and Rohana Samaratunge joined the UPFA.

Ministers Mervyn Silva, Prof Tissa Vitarana, D E W Gunasekera, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and W D J Seneviratne and Western Provincial Council member Udaya Gammanpila also addressed the meeting.

 

Courtesy: Daily News