Director-General of Presidential Trade Unions Saman Rathnapriya: Politicians and Officials Responsible for Ensuring Success of Government Welfare Initiatives

Director-General of Presidential Trade Unions Saman Rathnapriya, highlighted the essential role played by political activists and government officials in ensuring the success of programs like Aswasuma, Urumaya, and Kandukara Dashakaya, initiated under the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. This emphasizes the need for united support to effectively address the people’s requirements.

Mr. Saman Rathnapriya expressed these views during his participation in the recent conference held at the Presidential Secretariat. The conference aimed to inform political activists, trade union leaders, and civil organization representatives about the Urumaya, Aswasuma, and Kandurata Dashakaya programs outlined in the 2024 budget under the leadership of the President.

The Presidential Trade Union Relations Division organized this awareness conference, with plans for its expansion nationwide in the future.

Mr. Saman Rathnapriya urged attendees to put aside personal political interests and collaborate for the success of these programs, emphasizing their crucial role in boosting the nation’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.

Senior Economic Advisor to the President Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga also addressed the conference, emphasizing the stability achieved by the country’s economy through the President’s sound economic strategies.

He highlighted the country’s progress from an unprecedented 75-year economic crisis to a positive trajectory. He also mentioned the significant increase in the country’s foreign exchange reserves, projected to reach USD 4.5 billion by February 2024, compared to USD 19 million in July 2022, highlighting the Central Bank’s accomplishments in this regard.

Senior Additional Secretary (Agricultural Productivity and Lands) Chandra Herath, Additional Secretary to the President (Food Security and Infrastructure Development) Varnan Perera, and Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board Jayantha Wijeratne also delivered speeches.

Additionally, Director-General Saman Rathnapriya further stated:

The 2024 budget allocated provisions by the President, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, for implementing several significant programs. These programs are currently operational nationwide, with a focus on three major programs: Urumaya, Aswasuma, and Kandurata Dashakaya, selected for their impact on the country’s inhabitants.

The Urumaya program, for instance, provides land rights to 2 million landless individuals in the country, marking a historic milestone. The program has already granted land deeds to 10,000 individuals in its initial phase, with plans to expedite the process for the remaining beneficiaries, requiring collaboration between government officials and politicians for successful implementation.

Public support plays a crucial role in the success of the Urumaya, Aswasuma, and Kandurata Dashakaya programs. Raising awareness among the public is vital for their successful implementation, emphasizing the importance of political activists in garnering public backing for these initiatives.

The Aswesuma program, initiated to provide financial relief, offers benefits up to Rs. 15,000 to individuals, aiming to empower economically and create self-sustaining communities. The upcoming Kandurata Dashakaya program across 10 districts focuses on key areas like healthcare, water access, sanitation, and road infrastructure.

The success of these programs hinges on collective effort, prioritizing the country’s interests over personal political affiliations for the maximum benefit of the people.

Senior Economic Advisor to the President Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga remarked:

The President assumed office during unprecedented political and economic challenges in July 2022, with the country facing profound social and political turmoil. The economic reforms implemented by the President have resulted in significant progress, with the Central Bank’s foreign exchange reserves increasing from USD 19 million in 2022 to USD 4.5 billion by February 2024.

The country’s economy is moving towards stability due to the President’s initiatives, showcasing encouraging signs of progress as a result of the implemented economic reforms.