• President created the State Ministries with a view to develop local industries 

By Ajith Siriwardana 

Responding to the statement made by State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena said yesterday that Dayasiri was grumbling about his Ministerial portfolio due to his inability to carry out the assigned duties and responsibilities in his State Ministry.  

He told a news conference that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa created the State Ministries and assigned responsibilities with a view to develop local industries, agricultural produce and thereby improve the exports. “He can bring the Batik and apparel industry to greater heights. But, what has he done? Prasanna Ranaweera, who was assigned the State Ministry of Rattan, Brass, Pottery, Furniture and Rural Industrial Promotion, has been successful where he has been able to promote those local products not only in Sri Lanka but overseas as well,” he said. The Minister said if they have any issues, they should discuss them within the Government without making such statements. “If they want to criticise the government, they should walk out of the government and do so,” he said.