President unveils development plans for overlooked Mahaweli ‘A’, ‘B’ Zones

President Ranil Wickremesinghe unveiled immediate plans to develop the Mahaweli A and B zones, previously overlooked by the Mahaweli project, as part of the nation’s transition towards a modern agricultural economy. He emphasised that this initiative would bring significant benefits to the people residing in these areas.

The President highlighted that without the pioneering efforts of the late Gamini Dissanayake in implementing the Mahaweli project, which revolutionised irrigation practices in the country, Sri Lanka would not have achieved self-sufficiency in rice production nor would it have met its electricity demands.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this statement while participating in the ceremony commemorating the late Minister Gamini Dissanayake’s 82nd birth anniversary on Wednesday (20).

The ceremony took place in front of the Gamini Dissanayake statue at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha in Colombo.

Reflecting on the memories of Gamini Dissanayake, the President emphasised that his dedication serves as an exemplary model for all.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe honoured Gamini Dissanayake by laying floral tributes at his statue.

The commemoration celebrations commenced with religious ceremonies, led by Chief Sanganayaka of the Shyamopali Vanshika Mahanikaya Malwathu Chapter, Kaluthara district, and Chief Incumbent of the Wadduwa Molligoda Degambada Maha Vihara Ven. Bopitiye Dhammissara Thera who conducted a special sermon.

A minute of silence was observed to honour the memory of all the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation, including those who perished in the Thotalanga tragedy on October 23, 1994, alongside Gamini Dissanayake, other national leaders, and founder of the Gamini Dissanayake Foundation the late Srima Dissanayake.

The welcome address was delivered by MP Mayantha Dissanayake, who serves as the Vice President of the Gamini Dissanayake Foundation.

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, while sharing his thoughts, described Gamini Dissanayake’s character as a political precedent, emphasising his popularity and service to the people. Jayasuriya highlighted Dissanayake’s effective leadership, attributing Sri Lanka’s rapid development to his astute management.

Gamini Dissanayake Foundation Chairman, Sabaragamuwa Province Governor Navin Dissanayake, reflected on his father’s legacy as a former leader of the United National Party. He emphasised Gamini Dissanayake’s belief in the party’s economic system as suitable for the country. Navin Dissanayake expressed hope for a future moderate right-wing movement and voiced his desire for such a leader to be elected by the people in the upcoming Presidential Election.

Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, State Minister Aravinda Kumar, Senior Adviseor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, MPs Ranjith Maddumabandara, Rajitha Senaratne, Vadivel Suresh, former Minister Ravi Karunanayake, former State Minister Champika Premadasa, Director-General of Presidential Trade Unions Saman Rathnapriya, and many other political representatives, as well as family members of the late Gamini Dissanayake attended.

The post President unveils development plans for overlooked Mahaweli ‘A’, ‘B’ Zones appeared first on DailyNews.