Prelate tells minister govt. should give priority to solving people’s problems

By Ifham Nizam

Mahanayake of Malwatte Chapter, the Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sumangala Thera has instructed Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera to pay close attention to the problems the people are facing and provide proper solutions.

There were many issues that affected the people of the country at present, but the government did not appear to be implementing a proper programme to address them, the Chief incumbent told Minister Amaraweera.

The Minister visited the Malwathu Viharaya on Sunday to pay a courtesy call on the Mahanayake Thera. During the discussion with the prelate, the Minister mentioned a proposed programme to be implemented in the near future to conserve the environment in the Kandy District.

Minister Amaraweera also briefed the prelate on major environmental damage caused by the pollution of the Mahaweli Ganga in the suburbs of Kandy and steps being taken to tackle the problem.

A comprehensive programme would be launched in the near future to prevent polluting of the Mahaweli River in the suburbs of Kandy, he said.

The Mahanayake Thera also spoke of the gas, electricity and fuel crises as well as the problems faced by the farming community caused by the non-availability of required fertilisers.

“The government should pay more attention to the issues affecting the public,” the Mahanayake thera said.

The Minister also apprised the prelate of the current economic crisis facing the government. “To overcome the current economic crisis, we must enhance national productivity and tap our full economic potential,” he said.

The people had made tremendous sacrifices and it was up to the politicians to reciprocate, the minister said.

“I will not receive my MP’s salary until the end of Covid-19 epidemic. It is sent to the Covid Fund. If more sacrifices are needed I am ready for it. Not only the ruling party politicians but also the members of Parliament as well as officials need to make sacrifices for that,” the Minister said.