COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says the government will be taking necessary measures to raise the income of the working people and their life style while increasing exports revenues of Sri Lanka. Outlining the economic development measures, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe pointed out that after former President J.R. Jayawardena, the most gigantic development program has been initiated under the rule of President Maithripala Sirisena. Speaking at the United National Party (UNP) May Day rally held at Campbell Park in Borella on Monday under the theme “May Day Rally of Winning People”, the Premier said those who attempt to hinder the government’s efforts towards the development of the country will not be allowed room to do so. Trade unions, people’s organizations and affiliated organizations of the UNP have made a massive representation of its members at this year’s May Day rally.
Addressing the rally, the Prime Minister briefed the challenges faced by the government due to the short-sighted policies of the previous regime. He requested the public to assist the government in its efforts to further develop the country this year. Outlining several UNP proposals aimed at enhancing the living standards of the people, the Premier said some 6000 items could be exported to Europe after gaining the GSP+ facility. He also outlined the details of the development projects scheduled to be launched in the near future. Several Western development projects have already been launched and new campaigns will be started to develop the economy in the North with the assistance of India, he said.
The premier stressed the need to implement massive tourism projects and industrialization of Sri Lanka. The present government has already launched most of these development programs. He said the people, who did not respect human rights and workers’ rights and shot and silenced those who stood for the rights of the working class in the past, are trying to block the government’s forward march and stop creating employment for youth, and increase income, as well as retard the country’s development. “But we are not allowing them to do so,” the Premier said. He said that if there are any problems, those should be solved through consultation, consensus and compromise.The party presented several proposals at the May Day rally yesterday. Public Administration Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara read the proposals to the people. They included ending of political victimization, empowering and giving women more opportunities to engage in politics, providing employment to graduates and the youth, providing technology know-how to school children and ensuring a 13-year education and providing lands and houses to all citizens. UNP General Secretary Kabir Hashim, Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa, Ministers Rajitha Senaratne, Ravi Karunanayake, and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka also addressed the gathering.
