(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says it is useless to engage in politics criticizing one another, and the priority is to pull the country through difficult times.
“It is useless to engage in politics criticizing others. It is useless for such persons to remain in politics. A future cannot be created for the country’s youth by blaming and criticizing others,” the Premier said.
He said it is all right to get blamed or criticized after doing what is right but the work should be done properly.
The Premier made these remarks on Monday at the opening ceremony of the lubricant blending plant in Muthurajawela which is a joint venture between Hyrax Oil Malaysia and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said it is the duty of the government to provide a better future for the youth.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe remarked that this government had a difficult time but the economy is being developed now and Sri Lanka is in a position to receive funds and pay back. He noted that during the last two months Sri Lanka paid USD 200 million in loans. “Many will be surprised to find just how much interest the international community has shown in helping Sri Lanka after the bombings of April 21,” he said.
The Premier said despite the obstacles the government managed to develop schools, introduce social empowerment programs, provide housing and construct highways.
The Prime Minister emphasized that a speedy program to modernize the economy is essential and the country should be developed industrially.
“The youth and others in this country do not expect to live on traditional agriculture and fisheries industry but are waiting for modernization of agriculture. We need technology based industries.”
The Premier said the country needs foreign investors to develop industries but they were scared to come to Sri Lanka due to the laws such as.
“I met a group of investors. They said the April 21 bombing is not an issue. For them, the main issue was the Underperforming Enterprises or Underutilized Assets Act. They questioned as to why they should invest when there are laws in Sri Lanka where the government could acquire their businesses. This is why the revival of Underperforming Enterprises or Underutilized Assets (Repeal) Bill passed. Investors are coming now. We will undertake a speedy industrial process,” he said.
A Malaysian manufacturer of petroleum derivatives Hyrax Oil had invested US$ 30 million to establish the four million liters per month lubricant blending plant in Muthurajawela. Hyrax Oil constructed the plant and will manufacture the lubricant products for Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) for a term of 20 years.
The new plant is expected to earn revenue of US$60 million per annum from Sri Lanka and countries within the region.
The two sides also signed an agreement Monday to enhance cooperation and partnership. Minister Kabir Hashim and several other ministers were present at the occasion.
