The ceremony for the launch of the 2013 Annual Report of the Ministry of Finance and Planning was held in Colombo today (28) under the patronage of the President.

Launch of the Annual Report - 2013 of the Ministry of Finance and Planning took place at the Academy of Financial Studies (Miloda), Colombo. Finance Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera presented the Annual Report report to the President who is also the Finance Minister.

Speaking further at this ceremony, the President underscored that the present Government had clearly done much on behalf of the country as well as the people. Some secure advice from foreigners to implement their policies. But the President emphatically mentioned that he needed no assistance or advice from foreigners to take decisions on behalf of the welfare of the country and the people.

The President said that the country had been battered by terrorism as well as the tsunami. It was with these difficulties that the Government had to commence its journey. It should be understood how the country had reached the present situation. The President said that 40 factories in the country were shut down. It does not matter if these were sold and then developed. The village economy had melt down. These are issues which surfaced due to the economic and political policies during these eras. No one talked about these matters. The country continuously faced a bleak economy.

The Government had to bring them to a halt. A series of policies was presented to the people through the Mahinda Chinthana. Mandates presented during an election are dumped in the dustbin after the polls. But the President said that they did not do so. The Government did not take decisions to protect safeguard the power. Decisions needed to develop the country were taken. The President mentioned that Sri Lanka is the only country which provides electricity round the clock. He pointed out that they have decided on the journey they should traverse by building the Private Sector and strengthening the Public Sector.

The President declared that the aspiration of the Government was to create an environment for all communities to lead peaceful lives sans any impediments and to help them to lead prosperous lives effecting development to all sectors in the country.

The President said that he is not interested in slinging mud at anyone. What should be done is develop the country for the betterment of the people.

Expressing his views on the occasion Finance Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera said that the per capita income last year was 3300 and this year it is 3600. The President’s target was 4000 Dollars by the year 2016. He was optimistic that this target could be reached next year.

Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabral were among those who joined in this occasion.

HC/