(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – The cooperatives can intervene in purchasing farm produce directly and provide it to the consumer at a subsidized price while keeping a profit, the President said pointing out that it has the potential to empower the cooperative movement that collapsed with the open economy and play a major social role in the event of a disaster, President’s Media Division said.
The cooperative movement is very successful in 112 countries around the world and the first Saturday in July every year is designated as “International Co-operative Day”.
The President made this observation addressing the celebrations of the “99th International Co-operative Day” held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday morning (05).
Cooperatives operate as a philanthropic mechanism for product distribution in many countries around the world. The co-operative movement in the country has been strong whenever there was a people-friendly government.
The President stated that the National Policy Framework “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor” will be implemented to strengthen the cooperatives within the people-centric economic vision.
President Rajapaksa said that the cooperative could make a significant contribution to the success of the government’s planned organic fertilizer and solar energy programs.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena and State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna addressing the gathering appreciated the long-term service rendered by the Co-operative Movement to the rural and urban masses.
The President also presented Gold Awards to 21 Co-operative Societies which achieved the highest marks in the performance appraisal among various Services, Products, SANASA and Corporate SANASA Societies.
