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Matara Central Correspondent

"We faced a lot of opposition when the introduction of Co-operative Rural Banks were proposed in 1993 at Gampaha, yet we could proceed with the approval of draft Regulations connected to the inauguration of Co-operative Rural Banks.

The Co-operative Rural Bank scheme is a solid and well organised scheme which has gained around islandwide. It is my appeal that we all must forget our differences to protect and foster the co-operative movement in Sri Lanka, said the President of both the National Council of Co-operative Movement and Co-operation of Co-operative, Insurance, Lionel Samarasinghe at the opening ceremony of the Co-operative Bank Complex at Edmond Samarasekera Mawatha (formerly Esplanade Road), Uyanwatta, Matara.

This three-storeyed building was built by the Matara District Association of Co-operative Banks at a cost of Rs. 103 million. Secretary to the Ministry of Southern Co-operatives, H. W. Wijayaratne ceremonially opened the building. The plaque was unveiled by Lionel Samarasinghe.

President of the Matara District Council of Co-operatives H. M. S. Dias presided. Pansil was administered by the Incumbent of the Nagarukkarama Meddawatta of Matara and General Secretary of the Thihagoda Sasanaraksaka Mandalaya Ven. Angunna Badulle Gnanadassi Thera.

Samarasingha said, Ministers who held office in co-operatives from time, to time, did their best to foster the Co-operative movement. Of them special mention should be made of Mr. Lalith Athulathmudali and his successor Amarasiri Dodangoda. The Co-operative Movement has provided employment for thousands. Co-operative Retail shops are providing a very good service to consumers.

The Commissioner of Co-operative Development (Southern Province) L. P. E. Samarajeewa said the concept of Rural Co-operative Scheme inaugurated in 1993 has been a great success in Matara. The financial difficulties faced by the Rural Banks at the initial stage were eliminated with the intervention of National Council of Co-operatives. Nine multi-purpose co-operative societies in the district of Matara are running ninety two co-operative banks in the district.

Deputy Commissioner of Co-operatives M. H. R. B. Herath, Secretary to the Southern Provincial Co-operative Ministry H. W. Wijeratna and President of the Matara District Rural Bank Association K. W. S. Chandrasena also spoke.

Prizes were also awarded to Rural Co-operative Banks on this occasion.

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