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Ex-President Sirisena blames open economic policies introduced in late 1970s for present ills
By Saman Indrajith
Polonnaruwa District MP and former President Maithripala Sirisena told Parliament yesterday the national economy had been adversely affected by open-economic policies introduced in the late 1970s.
Participating in the second reading debate on budget 2021, the former President said: “Local industries that had received a boost under the then Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Finance Minister Dr N. M. Perera collapsed after the introduction of open economic policies that depended on goods from overseas. The opening-up of the economy led to the country being flooded with imports, overwhelming local industries, local agriculture and some infrastructural mechanisms such as Regional Development Boards. As a result of those policies we have a sluggish economy today. The situation has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have chosen to promote local production as far as possible. I have faith in the incumbent President, who has understood the need of promoting the local industries, agriculture and national economy. I appreciate his policy of promoting local over international. I am sure that we can produce 99 percent of our food here. Therefore, I approve the limitations the president has imposed on some food imports to promote the local products. This government upholds the concept that we must solve our problem ourselves.
“I view these budget proposals as an attempt to reduce poverty by implementing as many programmes as possible to achieve self-sufficiency. The budget contains many progressive proposals. We should welcome the proposal to allocate funds for drinking water projects of rural areas. We must appreciate the decision to allocate Rs. 7,000 million to for improving rural road network because rural economy cannot be uplifted without access roads enabling connectivity between the farm and the market. We should be thankful to the Prime Minister, who has, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, included a proposal to allocate Rs 5000 million for developing rural dispensaries and maternity homes. In addition to the allocations made to the health sector, Rs 7,000 million is to be allotted to for the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.”
News
Students of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College Kandy visit Presidential Secretariat and President’s House
A group of students from Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy visited the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s House and Colombo Port City today (09).
This program, organized by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education, and the Mass Communication Division of Parliament, offers schoolchildren the opportunity to explore important sites, including the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s House, Colombo Port City, and the Parliament. The students from Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy were fortunate to participate in this program.
During their visit, the students learned about the history of Parliament after touring the old Parliament building.
Director General (Legal) of the Presidential Secretariat Advocate J.M. Wijebandara, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath (Retd), and Principal of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy Mrs. Nilakshika Hapugoda along with several teachers were present on this occasion.
Most Reverend Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the Vatican Ambassador to Sri Lanka, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (09).
During the meeting, the Vatican Ambassador congratulated President Dissanayake on his recent election victory, conveying heartfelt greetings from His Holiness Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State.
Ambassador Udaigwe also extended best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of Sri Lanka under the new President’s leadership. In his remarks, Dr. Udaigwe expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s future, stating that positive developments were forthcoming in line with the people’s aspirations. He commended President Dissanayake’s commitment to the welfare of the country and its citizens, offering the Vatican’s support in realizing the President’s vision for Sri Lanka.
Dr Udaigwe also lauded President Dissanayake’s initiative to conduct transparent and credible investigations into the tragic Easter Sunday bombings and assured the fullest cooperation of the Vatican in supporting the President’s efforts to bring justice and healing to the victims and their families.
In line with the forthcoming 75th Army Anniversary (10 October) a solemn ceremony was held on 7th October 2024 at the Battaramulla War Heroes’ Monument (Ranaviru Smarakaya) to pay tribute to the heroic sacrifices of the nation’s fallen War Heroes.
The Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest, lending a significant sense of respect and prominence to the occasion. The event commenced with singing the National Anthem, followed by a two-minute silence observed in honour of the nation’s fallen patriots.
Thereafter, the Chief Guest, accompanied by several Senior Officers and Colonels of all regiments of the Sri Lanka Army laid floral wreaths and saluted paying a solemn tribute to the fallen War Heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sovereignty of the nation.
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Students of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College Kandy visit Presidential Secretariat and President’s House
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