Officials should expedite development projects: PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that it is the responsibility of the officials to expedite development projects and give the people the opportunity to reap the benefits. The Prime Minister expressed this while participating in the inauguration ceremony of the Atampitiya Water Supply System yesterday.   

He said it is with great pleasure that he declare open the project which was commenced in October 2014.   

“From now on, I hope the officials will complete projects within two to three years. Five years is a long time. However, we are happy to fulfil the expectations of the people even after five years. A cost of Rs.2,240 million has been spent for this project and about 15,000 people will receive benefit from it. We are also taking steps to initiate a new water supply coordination across the country,” the Premier said.   

He said there is a need to provide clean drinking water to the people and only 50% of Sri Lankans receive pipe borne water.   

“The other half of citizens have lost that opportunity. We once gave priority to constructing highways and roads across the country. Today, our hope is to provide safe drinking water to all the people,” he said.   

He said the new government would launch more water supply projects and that the President has already instructed to give prominence to provide safe drinking water to all. Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Law Reforms Nimal Siripala de Silva, MP Dilan Perera, MP Thenuka Vidanagamage, Former Chief Minister Chamara Sampath, Urban Development, Water Supply and Housing Facilities Ministry Secretary Piyath Bandu, National Water Supply and Drainage Board Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga, Uva Province Governor Raja Kollure and many others were present at the inauguration ceremony.