Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday that, despite Easter Sunday bombings, anti-government campaigns, and many other difficulties, the government carried out a variety of development programs. “We were able to achieve a number of development objectives in this short period despite these challenges. During the last four years, we have invested strongly in social change. “Now, the country’s economic development is on the way. In fact, we are going to invest more money to accelerate these future development activities, “added the Prime Minister.
“We have been working hard since this January, following the defeat of the Opposition’s 52-day Constitutional conspiracy, without even thinking about problems. Therefore, a number of development projects were completed including several major housing projects for the plantation community, the lowest income groups and people in the north and east. 600,000 people received Samurdhi benefits while a number of loans were awarded to Enterprise Sri Lanka. In rural regions under the Gamperaliya program, a rapid development program was initiated. By this September, I have directed ministers and parliamentarians to finish all development initiatives, “said Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.
“We could not even pay back the loans that the previous regime had taken over the country for various projects. We can now pay both interest and payments for these loans, “said the Prime Minister. “Effective of the Easter Sunday terror attacks, the economy of the country has experienced a huge recession. Now, however, all suspects who wished the terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday have either been killed or imprisoned, and the economy is constantly recovering.
At a ceremony held at Temple Trees, last May the Prime Minister gave Rs.66,2 million to 331 Lottery Draw winners of the Samurdhi Housing Draw. The lottery drawing was conducted every 6 months, giving support to Samurdhi beneficiaries to build their own houses. I was the first prime minister in the year 2002. Today, however, every month the lottery draw takes place.
From 1,700 to 8,000 this year the number of buildings constructed every year has increased, “the Prime Minister said. The Samudhi recipients will be able to acquire a housing loan of up to 500000 rz. through the Samurdhi Banks, said Prime Minister of Industry & Social Empowerment.
