Rural sector plays key role in national development

NELUWA: National development would only be a pipe dream if the country forget the rural sector. That is why the Mahinda Chinthana encompassed the rural sector too in the national development effort to achieve its development goals for the country, said Vocational and Technical Training Minister Piyasena Gamage.

He was speaking at the commissioning of a rural electricity scheme in Neluwa, Hiniduma recently.

The new electricity project costing Rs. 9.5 million accomplished by the Power and Energy Ministry with Chinese government aid will benefit people living in an area in extent of 100 acres in Neluwa, Batuwangala West, Kosmulla, Gigummaduwa, Thambalagamuwa, Millawita Kanda and Opatha.

The 'Mahinda Chinthana is the best socio-economic development programme for the rural sector initiated in this country since independence,' he said.

The unstinted support and co-operation of the people and State officials was of paramount importance for the success of Mahinda Chinthana.

He said the Gama Neguma project especially was contributing in large measure for the development of the Hiniduma electorate considered to be a most difficult areas in the Galle district.

He said the new rural electricity scheme would be a bonanza for the people living on the border of the Sinharaja Forest who had been clamouring for electricity facilities.

He said the "Piya Jana Diriya" Shramadana programme conducted on Poya Days with the participation of the public will help improve common amenities in 139 Grama Niladhari Divisions in Hiniduma. Gamage also inaugurated a new bus service on this day. Southern Provincial Council Chairman, I. Wijewantha and Neluwa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman M.G.I. Sunil were also present.