An atmosphere where one can freely breathe in once more is being created – Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana

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Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, inaugurated the new bus service to be operated by Kesbewa Depot for the transport facilities of the people of Kahathuduwa Koralaima area, which has been suffering for a long time due to the lack of proper bus service for public transport.

This bus will be running from Kahathuduwa Koralaima intersection to Kahathuduwa – Pettah via Pasal Mawatha and will provide transport facilities to a large number of local residents.

The Minister who spoke on this occasion said, “During the past period, a huge amount of development work has been carried out in Homagama and its surrounding area, which has gained fame in the country and internationally. This seat especially has become the seat with the largest number of universities in the country. Mahinda Rajapaksa Vidyalaya, the largest national school in South Asia, has been established in this area. Also a large number of Government institutions are located in this area.

But unfortunately, our country had to face many crises due to the massive economic collapse that occurred after the Easter attack. Certain extremist organizations used this opportunity to gain political advantage and created a great terror in the country. However, an atmosphere where one can freely breathe in again is being created in the country. But it is a temporary situation. Until the existing debt is restructured, the country will not be able to borrow again.

No matter who gets the power of government, no matter who is appointed to the position of President, Prime Minister or Cabinet, a proper solution to these economic problems must be found. The total tax revenue of the country in 2022 was Rs. 1,751 billion. Of that, 72 percent or Rs. 1,265 billion has been spent on the payment of Government employee salaries and pensions. Rs. 506 billion has been spent on Samurdhi and other subsidies.

However, not even a cent of the tax revenue received by the treasury will be left after that. The loan money obtained domestically and abroad has been spent for all other development activities including loan interest.

At present, it is being spread through the media that Government employees have started a campaign demanding an increase in their salaries by Rs. 20,000. All the intellectuals who are contributing to the campaign should show how to collect additional money for the payment of salaries, which is already very difficult. Is it possible to charge another additional tax or increase existing taxes?

These problems must be solved even if it is difficult to rise from the fallen state as a country. There is no political solution to any of these economic problems. An economically correct solution should be found for it.

By working with the right vision, the goal of transforming the village into a country is possible”.

Venivelkola Siri Nandarama temple Chief Prelate Ven. Baragama Siri Gnanasiri Thera, Lanka Transport Board Chairman Lalith de Alwis, Deputy General Manager (Transportation) Panduka Swarnahansa, public representatives of the area, and a large number of local residents were present at this event.