Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that only a small amount of the funds allocated has actually been used for the development of the rural sector, and that as most of these funds have been diverted into the pockets of certain individuals, proper development has not taken place.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending public gatherings held on April 19 near the Nattankondal Public Market Complex belongs to the Manthei East Pradeshiya Sabha in the Mullaitivu District, and at the public library premises belonging to the Thunukkai Pradeshiya Sabha in the Mallavi area.
Addressing the public gatherings, the Prime Minister further stated:
“In 2024, taking the initiative to change the past 76 years of traditional political system that the country has persisted, you gave us a historic victory by placing your trust in us, and we are committed to honoring that trust.
I was informed that there is a shortage of doctors and that there is no surgical theatre in the nearest hospital requiring the patients to travel nearly 50 kilometers to access a hospital with surgical facilities. I was also informed that students who wish to pursue A /Level studies in science have no teachers in their local school and are required to travel about 50 kilometers to another school offering science education.
We are aware that the people in this area are suffering due to the lack of proper public transport, education, and electricity facilities. That is why you have elected us expecting to change these conditions. We must create opportunities for every child to develop their professional life according to their talents and skills. I assure you that this government will take initiative to make that happen.
According to the previous political system, when funds were allocated for development of the rural sector, about 75% ended up in the pockets of individuals, and only a small amount actually reached the villages. That is the reason why these areas remain underdeveloped to this day.”
The Prime Minister further added that the 2025 budget has allocated a significant amount of funds for the development of the rural economy and it is essential to elect a team for leadership at the local government level that could implement the development projects with honestly and transparently, and free from corruption and fraud. In such cause, the team of the National People’s Power is the most suitable group for this responsibility.
The Prime Minister addressing further, “Not only have the basic facilities been destroyed in these areas, but also a vast number of human lives. Some still haven’t received answers about what happened to their loved ones. Thousands of mothers and wives across the country continue to grieve, searching for answers about what happened to their children, husbands, and family members. We pledge to intervene in the search for those answers and ensure that such tragedies never occur again,”
The Prime Minister also stated that the National People’s Power is the non-racist, fair, and equal platform dedicated to working for the people of a culturally diverse country and invited everyone to take the next step in the historic transformative journey that the people of this country began in 2024, by uniting in the upcoming 2025 local government elections to build a clean and transparent local and municipal council system for the future.
The event was attended by Vanni District Members of Parliament Meiyilvaganam Jegatheeswaran and S. Thileepan, Thunukkai Pradeshiya Sabha candidate and team leader Ganesapulle Madanaraj, along with other candidates and a large number of local residents.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
