New Projects Launched Nationwide to Boost Rural Sector Investments and Enhance Economic Participation of Rural Communities

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya mentioned that the government is actively engaged in launching new projects throughout Sri Lanka, aiming to attract essential investments to rural regions to enhance community involvement in bolstering the national economy.

These comments were made by the Prime Minister while speaking at a public assembly held yesterday (12th) in Nanattan, Mannar.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further elaborated:
“Our nation is at a pivotal moment. The National People’s Power (NPP) government recognizes the needs of the populace. Citizens united, transcending ethnic and religious divides, to cast their votes against the political corruption long prevailing in this country. As a result, Anura Kumara Dissanayake ascended to the presidency in 2024. A month later, we established a Parliament poised to reshape history. Currently, our government comprises 159 members, with a robust faction in Parliament standing up against corruption, representing all ethnicities, religions, and regions. For the first time ever, a single party has formed a government that encompasses everyone. It is the people who enabled this success, making them the true victors in this endeavor.

We are dedicated to safeguarding the trust the public has in us and meeting their expectations.

You are fully aware of how weak the economy was when we assumed power. Officially, we had been labeled a bankrupt nation globally. For years, Sri Lanka experienced no economic growth and was mired in debt. The tourism sector had collapsed. Due to political corruption, investors were reluctant to invest in the country. Today, all that has changed. We have officially shed the ‘bankrupt’ label. We have successfully steered the economy towards growth, restoring investments and boosting international confidence in Sri Lanka.

We are striving to launch new initiatives across Sri Lanka to bring necessary investments to rural sectors, aiming to enhance the participation of rural communities in the national economy.

The first budget of the NPP government has been approved. Although the economy isn’t yet robust, we concentrated on two main priorities in the budget: developing infrastructure imperative for economic growth, and providing relief to those burdened by economic hardships. Consequently, we have increased and extended the duration of Aswesuma benefits. Moreover, for schools with fewer than 300 students, vouchers for purchasing schoolbooks were distributed alongside governmental efforts to bolster the social protection system.

Unlike previous governments which were burdensome to the populace, we have a very small Cabinet today. The government no longer burdens the people. We have cut down expenses, minimized losses, and eradicated corruption.

Because of a government that doesn’t burden the people, we have been able to offer them relief. This budget has increased the basic salaries of public servants. Public service has now become a better avenue to earn a good income, giving them the chance to perform their duties freely. Decisions for the people are now based on statistical data rather than political inclinations. Our goal is an independent public service. We desire a people-centric government and public service, which should be efficient, free from corruption, and sensitive to people’s needs. We have already established the necessary environment for this.

To advance the rural economy, the government allocated a substantial amount of funding in this year’s budget. However, to ensure these allocations are effectively utilized for serving the populace, local government institutions need to be reformed. If village leaders are corrupt, the allocated funds will be wasted. This is why the forthcoming local government elections are exceptionally important and crucial.”

The event was attended by Members of Parliament Jegadeeswaran and S. Thilakanadan, public representatives, and candidates of the local government election representing the NPP.