As promised to the people, our government has safeguarded national security and sovereignty. Similarly, we have ensured that no harm would befall to our national legacy and heritage. Steps are being taken implement policies for the growth of local industries and agriculture-based economy. A clear, well-defined economic plan has been formulated and being implemented to eradicate poverty, which is the biggest burden faced by a substantial segment of the working class.

The working community is one of the most adversely affected groups in the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has clearly understood that reality faced by our working masses. Hence, the government is working with commitment to ensure better living standards for its citizens without imposing limitations that obstruct the economic activities of the working people.

The maximum benefit received by the working masses and their families was the programme implemented to provide employment for unskilled individuals without any formal or professional education selected from underprivileged families. The government has supported the life struggle of the working people by providing the provision of an allowance of Rs. 5,000 to low-income families.

The government committed itself to distribute the Rs.5,000 allowance to the people even during the New Year festive season. The right of the working people was safeguarded by ensuring that all public sector employees were given their full salaries without any deductions and continuing to maintain all public welfare programmes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the government raised the daily wage of plantation workers to Rs 1,000 each in order to raise the living standards of those people.

The working people, especially the farmers in our country, will reap the benefits of the local economy that is being strengthened by the import restrictions imposed on 19 goods. We are aware that you have been strengthened and empowered by the move to remove barriers to sell farmers’ produce during the festive season. Projects such as the Gama Samaga Pilisandara (Discussion with the Village) and Weda Samaga Yali Gamata (Back to the Village with Work) are directly embedded in the lives of working people in the country today.

The working people have to refrain from celebrating May Day and holding rallies for the second consecutive year due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Nevertheless, we are aware of the strength of your struggle and its determination and commitment. While extending my gratitude for joining hands with the cause to establish a people-centric economy, I wish you a happy International Labour Day with the joy of securing international labour rights.

May the working people of our country be victorious!

Gotabaya Rajapaksa                                                        April 30, 2021

Sudewa Hettiarachchi, who received the letter of appointment from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, is due to assume duties next week.

A distinguished alumnus of Ananda College, Colombo, Sudewa Hettiarachchi is a full-fledged journalist with extensive experience.

With an over 25 year long career in the media field, he is a popular announcer and producer. He is an efficient administrative officer who had served in the capacities of Assistant Manager, Manager, Assistant General Manager, General Manager, Director and CEO in several leading media institutes.

Mr. Sudewa Hettiarachchi was the Chief Executive Officer of Swarnavahini Media Network prior to his appointment as the Director-General of President’s Media Division.

Only a vaccine can end the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has a systematic and strong programme in place to vaccinate the public. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa emphasized that in order to overcome this challenge, the people must strictly follow all the rules and regulations recommended by the health authorities, as they did in the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The government has made arrangements to import four of the COVID-19 vaccines currently approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and to be approved in the near future by the WHO.

The first imported AstraZeneca vaccine has been administered to 925,242 people. The second dose of the vaccine is scheduled to be given in the first week of May. The second dose will be given to 356,000 people, including frontline health officials and tri-forces and police officers engaged in the control of COVID-19 epidemic. The government is now in talks with the rest of the pharmaceutical firms, who produce the AstraZeneca vaccine to meet the remaining demand.

200,000 doses of the Russian made “Sputnik” Covid-19 vaccine will be available by the end of April, while 400,000 doses in May, 800,000 doses in June and 1,200,000 doses in July will be available in the country. The Cabinet approval has already been granted to import 13 million doses of Sputnik vaccine.

Plans already on foot to distribute 600,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines donated by China to the people of Sri Lanka in the next few weeks with the approval of the World Health Organization.

In addition, the State Pharmaceutical Corporation has already signed the preliminary agreements required for the importation of the Pfizer vaccine and the Government is in the process of importing the vaccine as soon as possible.

The Head of the World Health Organization reiterated in Geneva yesterday (24) that adherence to basic public health guidelines is the backbone of the fight against the spread of COVID-19. Properly wearing a Face Mask, occasional hand washing with soap or hand disinfectants, the practice of social distancing, and avoidance of non-essential events are among the most important.

Some sections of society think that the country should be locked down for some time as a solution to control the spread of the COVID-19 menace. Although such an action may have satisfactory results at the beginning, in the long term it will have extremely detrimental effects on the lives of the people and the economy.

Developing countries such as Sri Lanka cannot take lockdown measures or impose curfews that obstruct the economic activities of the country. The majority of our country’s income earners depend on informal livelihoods. Therefore, while the government is fulfilling its responsibilities, the people must fulfil their respective responsibilities and duties for the betterment of the country as well as themselves.

“Discussion with the Village” brings results in 03 months… 

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (04) vested in people the “Kanugahawewa Model Village” constructed by the Air Force at the request of the President after listening to the grievances of the villagers during the 04th “Discussion with the Village” programme held in Kebithigollewa.

Kanugahawewa village in the Kebithigollewa Divisional Secretariat was selected for the “Discussion with the Village” programme which was held on the 30th of December.  LTTE terrorists frequently attacked Kebithigollewa. On June 15, 2006, the LTTE exploded a massive claymore mine targeting a civilian bus enroute to Kebithigollewa killing more than 68 civilians who lived in Kanugahawewa and surrounding villages.   From 1995 to 1998 and from 2006 to 2008, the residents of these villages were forced to live in camps due to LTTE terror. Despite the end of that menace, villagers continued to experience many serious economic and social problems. The President instructed the relevant officials on that day to provide solutions for their land issues, repair works in connection with tanks and canals, development of major roads and by –roads and to improve health, education and transport issues as soon as possible.

Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana took over the task of meeting the housing needs and other requirements in Kanugahawewa Village to mark the 70th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force. The President entrusted the responsibility of identifying the needs of the area and the task of submitting the plans in this regard to the Chief Incumbent of the village temple, the Divisional Secretary and the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha and the Grama Niladhari.

President Rajapaksa who arrived in Kanugahawewa today first visited the Abhinawarama Temple and engaged in religious observances. Later the President called on the Chief Incumbent of the temple and inquired into the well-being of the Nayake Thera.

The President inspected the construction site of the proposed temple, the newly constructed Bodhigaraya and the Awasageya as well as the completed bell tower.

President Rajapaksa who visited the Kanugahawewa Primary School premises handed over the keys of 12 newly built houses and the “Teachers’ Quarters” to the owners of the respective houses and the Principal.

The SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit donated school uniforms and equipment to the children.

The President also inspected the playground at Kanugahawewa Primary School, the Model Home Gardening Project, the Teachers’ Quarters and the eye surgeries performed at the Mobile Eye Hospital.

Families who had been in possession of government lands without clear ownership started receiving grants recently. The President symbolically handed over deeds to five persons in Kanugahawewa village.

The President then visited the ‘Kanugahawewa Model Village’ and inspected a newly constructed house and also the newly erected 15 km long elephant fence at the Kanugahawewa Model Village.

President Rajapaksa who visited a nearby house engaged in a cordial discussion with the residents and inquired into their well-being.

Minister S.M. Chandrasena, State Ministers Duminda Dissanayake, Shehan Semasinghe, Channa Jayasumana, Members of Parliament K.H. Nandasena, K.P.S. Kumarasiri, Governor of the North Central Province Maheepala Herath and a number of Air Force officials were also present at the occasion.

Easter, the noblest festival in the Christian calendar, symbolizes the victory over evil and sin. Easter further provides devotees an opportunity to repent each individual’s sin in order to bring the spirit of renewal to the human life.

The Christians all over the world spend the 40 day lent period begins on Ash Wednesday indulging in religious activities recalling the crucifixion, sacrifice, and the death of Jesus. They celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, with full of joy and delight, on Easter Sunday.

The Christian community, during this period, commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save humanity.

Two years ago, when the Easter Sunday was being celebrated by the Sri Lankan Christian community with utmost devotion, they became victims of most brutal attacks by extremists. The sorrowful memory of pain and loss caused by this tragic incident had not faded away from the broken hearts of the suffering people even today. We will leave no room for the culprits as well as groups, who are responsible for this dastardly attack to escape the arm of law. Also, the government is determined to ensure national security in order to prevent recurrence of such tragedies in the Motherland.

The Christian teaching of love and mercy that Jesus Christ taught us provides a strong foundation for the society. Therefore, let us determine that in this Easter Sunday, we will unite and stand together to overcome various conflicts and calamities that we have to face in today’s world and to live in a society filled with love and harmony.

I wish everyone a Peaceful Easter.

     Gotabaya Rajapaksa   

  April 01, 2021

Laid the foundation to move the country forward while addressing the suffering of people

Ø Leaders of previous government now act as if they have never been in power

Ø Easter Sunday attack, MCC compact, Eastern Terminal Agreement were issues created by them ; now they protest against us

Ø If misled by falsehoods, the outcome will be irreversible

                                                                   President says at “Discussion with the Village”

“We will face the Geneva challenge without fear. We will never succumb to pressures. We are a free nation. We will not be a victim of big power rivalry in the Indian Ocean.” President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stresses.

He observes that the foundation has been laid for the country to move forward while correctly identifying and resolving the problems faced by the people for a long time now. The government is bounded to meet the basic needs of the people. It is not only the responsibility of the government but also that of the officials as well. This foundation will strengthen the economy in a manner that is most effective for the country and will prioritize addressing the issues of the rural people.

Back in the day, Colombo was developed into a green city. Strategies are now in place to utilize renewable energy sources to the tune of 70% of energy requirements by 2030. Steps have been taken to supply electricity to the main power grid from over 7000 solar power systems. The use of chemical fertilizer will be reduced by 25% every coming year. All these projects are aimed at conserving the environment as well as strengthening the economy.

“Foreign and local forces who cannot stand this progress and the mafias which support them are misleading the public. The devastation caused in the last five years can repeat if the true progress is left unnoticed and you choose to believe lies and misled yourself. If you give into those lies the damage could be irreversible.” President says.

The President made these remarks addressing the gathering at the beginning of the 16th “Discussion with the Village” program held at the Derangala Maha Vidyalaya premises in the Kiriwelkele North 3^rd Step Grama Niladhari Division which falls within the limits of Pitabeddara Divisional Secretariat Division in the Matara District yesterday (27).

National security was ignored due to the wrong priorities of the previous government. The Easter Sunday attack was a result of that. War heroes were imprisoned on baseless charges. The country’s sovereignty was compromised by co-sponsoring the Geneva resolution. Attempts were made to destroy the culture and religion associated with our unique heritage by provoking issues in relation to tamed elephants.

 The country was thrown into a crisis by entering into agreements such as the MCC Compact and the Eastern Container Terminal Agreement. The President added that they are being resolved today.

President highlighted that those who created and supported all the issues are now protesting against the present government adding that several prominent figures from the former government pretend as if they were never in power. The President observed that although it was not his way to respond to baseless allegations, now he has to answer and expose lies.

The “Discussion with the Village” programme commenced on September 25, 2020 from Badulla District. Thereafter programmes were organized covering Matale, Ratnapura, Anuradhapura, Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Kalutara, Moneragala, Kegalle, Kandy, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Kurunegala, Galle and Nuwara Eliya districts. The idea behind this program is for the President to talk to the rural communities living in remote and difficult areas without intermediaries about their long-standing unresolved problems and to present them directly to the officials in order to find solutions. Problems that can be solved on the spot are instantly addressed. The rest which takes time to deal with are noted down to find solutions later. The objective of the program is to reach out to the people of the village, understand their problems and find solutions giving considerations to their own suggestions.

Kiriwelkele North 3^rd step Grama Niladhari Division is located 12km away from Pitabeddara town. It is a highland colony established in 1958 and it became Kiriwalkale village following the settlement of people in the area. It is the most difficult village which falls within the limits of Pitabeddara Divisional Secretariat area. The total population of the Grama Niladhari Division is 2990 comprising 622 families. Most of the owners of small tea holdings in the Matara district live here. The main sources of income are tea, cinnamon, rubber, black pepper and coconut.

President Rajapaksa arrived at Dehigaspe Dudley Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya, Pitabeddara and from there he made it to Derangala Maha Vidyalaya to attend the “Discussion with the Village” program. President Rajapaksa conversed with the people gathered on both sides of the road as well as the people and students gathered in close proximity to Derangala Junior College and inquired into the problems that ail them.

President Rajapaksa opened the ‘Smart Classroom’ facilitated with a high-speed internet connection donated by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Mobitel to Derangala Maha Vidyalaya and presented the laptops with internet connections donated by SLT Mobitel and the TV set and the internet connection provided by Dialog Axiata to the Principal of the Seelarathana Junior School, Banagala.

Another objective of President Rajapaksa is to develop school library facilities in all areas where the “Discussion with the Village” programme is held. The President presented sets of books to schools under the programme “A generation empowered with knowledge”. Each school receives 500 books covering a number of subjects to assist students in their further education.

A programme to grant title deeds to the families who had been in possession of government lands without clear ownership started recently. President Rajapaksa symbolically presented title deeds for 5 families in the Pitabeddara Divisional Secretariat Division, yesterday (27).

It was decided at the “Discussion with the Village” to expedite the development of bridges including Pahuruthota, Jambugasdola, Mederipitiya and Velangavita which were destroyed by the floods.

The President instructed the officials to resolve the issues regarding the unauthorized use of land belonging to the Land Reforms Commission and conduct surveys following a joint inspection of large tracts of land under plantation companies.

It was decided to hold a “Land Day” to resolve all existing land issues in Pitabeddara and adjoining villages.

The Road Development Authority was tasked with identifying unsafe slopes on roads in the area and constructing safety fences.

President Rajapaksa instructed the relevant officials to develop about 120 km of roads including Derangala, road near the Podidahayakanda bus stand, Mahena Ella road and Nagahahena 517 road in Banagala East within the next few months.

Farmers apprised the President regarding the difficulties faced by them in selling cinnamon produce. The President instructed to formulate a proper system and monitoring mechanism to end the injustice caused in purchasing grade A cinnamon as grade B. The Ministry of Plantations was directed to distribute high-quality cinnamon seedlings to nurseries owned by Cinnamon Farmers’ Associations.

The small-scale tea plantations in the area have a history of over 35 years. It takes more than 2 years to replant and collect tea harvest. The President emphasized the need to expedite the replanting of tea by providing an annual allowance for two years to compensate the loss of income during this period as a remedy.

The President instructed the Secretary of Education to take steps to eliminate the issue of shortage of teachers and develop infrastructure facilities in schools including Thalapekumbura Junior School, Derangala Maha Vidyalaya, Siyambalagoda West Junior School and Kalubowitiyawa Maha Vidyalaya as well as to construct a flyover at Alapaladeniya Secondary School.

It was instructed to implement a drinking water project in Morawaka and to establish a number of small community water units covering 60 Grama Niladhari Divisions.

The President also directed the officials to renovate the Derangala Health Center and provide immediate solutions to a number of public problems including infrastructure development and filling vacancies in health centers in the area.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Minister Dullas Alahapperuma, Governor of the Southern Province Dr. Willie Gamage, Minister of State Kanchana Wijesekera, Members of Parliament Nipuna Ranawaka, Weerasumana Weerasinghe, Karuna Kodithuwakku, Principal Adviser to the President Lalith Weeratunga, People’s representatives of the district, Secretaries to Ministries, Heads of Government Institutions and the Security Forces were present at the “Discussion with the Village” programme held on the  premises of Derangala Maha Vidyalaya.