I’m not alone in fight against drugs - President

President Maithripala Sirisena says he is not alone in the battle against the drug menace and 90% of the population in the country is standing with him in this journey.  

When a section of some responsible persons in the government took to streets against his decision to impose the death penalty for drug smugglers, the criminals, drug smugglers, and corrupt people started to celebrate their victory, he said addressing a ceremony held in Rathnapura, today (29).   

President Sirisena said that he takes all the decisions to create a better country for the future generation and further said that all the politicians, public servants, and intellectuals should come forward to fulfill the respective duties towards the motherland.

This ceremony was held to launch the ‘Sabaragamuwa Lassanai’ program as well as to launch the declaration regarding the Kithul at the auditorium of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, stated President’s Media Division.

The President unveiled the name board titled ‘Sabaragamuwa Lassanai’ using a remote control. The book compiled in this regard was presented to the President by the Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province, Dhamma Dissanayake.

The President also launched the ‘Kithula-Kithula’ website and the ‘Sip Thathu’ website which contained information on schools in the Sabaragamuwa province.

It is decided to provide financial sponsorship for selected 100 families to build their own houses under the ‘Ape Gedara Lassanai’ housing project implemented by the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council and during this ceremony, the President symbolically handed over documents in this regard to those house recipients.
A souvenir gift was also presented to President Sirisena at this event.

After that, the President also visited the Kithul production-based exhibition as well.

Venerable Maha Sanga, Governor of Northern Province Dr. Suren Ragawan, Uva Province Governor Marshal Perera, Mr. Dushmantha Mithrapala, Mr. Dunesh Gankanda, SLFP organizer Mr. Athula Kumara Rahubaddha and Provencal political representatives, General Secretary of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Ms. K.D.M. Malani and Public officials were also present on this occasion.    

President Sirisena handed over the fifth-floor building of the Eheliyagoda General Hospital and the 120 – bed ward complex to the public today under the ‘Sabaragamuwa Lassanai’ program. The President also vested in the public the new Bhikku ward complex constructed by two donors in the Eheliyagoda area and the X-ray section constructed by a businessman.

The President handed over the development work to the public and had a friendly visit with the staff while inspecting the hospital.

Then, the President also presented awards of appreciation to the donors who contributed to the development activities.

The President also presented an award of appreciation to former Medical Superintendent Dr. Shantha Abeywickrama who pioneered the historical development of the Eheliyagoda Base Hospital.

The President also declared open the Teachers Home built at Siri Saman Vidyalaya, Talawitiya at a cost of Rs. 15.89 million under the ‘Langama pasala – hodama pasala’ program. In addition, the Library, Mathematic Lab and Science Lab also handed over to the students by President today. 

The President was warmly welcomed by the students and the President unveiled the plaque and handed over the construction work to the students.