State ventures will not be sold but made profitable – Wimal

President Mahinda Rajapaksa would never hand over State enterprises to the private sector, but make every attempt to make them profitable ventures, Minister of Housing and Construction, Minister, Wimal Weerawansa, said after an official visit to the Government Factory at Kolonnawa.

Addressing the employees at the Government Factory, he said that the best example was the taking back of SriLankan Airlines from the control of Emirates.

“The Government sector has a proud history behind it and they face certain problems in the present economic situation. The State Enterprises can now give tough competition to the private sector, and we will make every attempt to solve each and every problem,” Weerawansa said.

He said that President Rajapaksa since assuming duties as Head of State and the government never sold any State enterprise but always looked for ways and means to turn them into profit making ventures. The government was making every attempt to get over all obstacles facing the State enterprises that are facing problems, and will not allow those institutions to fail, but see that they are successful and find solutions, the Minister promised the employees.

“We must improve this institution to face the challenges ahead to develop the country and request all employees to throw their full weight behind it. I am willing to discuss development plans for this institution with the officials and employees,” he said.

Minister Weerawansa was accompanied by Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and officials and employees of the Government factory with whom he held discussions.

The Island – By Lal Gunesekera