Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara emphasized the importance of adopting a long-term plan to address economic challenges and achieve a debt-free country, rather than making temporary promises and shouting on stages about future actions once in power.
The Minister expressed these views, during the inauguration of the Jayagamu Sri Lanka programme kicked off at Gampaha UC ground.
Minister Nanayakkara noted that the failure to act appropriately and make sound decisions today will force us to address issues with greater difficulty in the future.
The Minister also went on to say,
Since the reigns of Vibhishana and Maniakkita in Kelaniya, followed by King Kelanitissa and Viharamaha Devi, the battlegrounds of Mulleriya’s Malwane victory over the Portuguese, and culminating in the Cricket World Cup, the Gampaha district is steeped in rich history and tales.
Today, we find ourselves in a District where political activism has a rich history of vying for leadership. Gampaha is a district where individuals have embraced challenges, demonstrated ingenuity, and exhibited a strong determination to succeed.
Hence, we trust that each of you will step forward and lead the way in advancing the ‘Jayagamu Sri Lanka’ initiative.
Kelaniya, where the Buddha visited, is located within the Gampaha district. Over the years, Gampaha has heralded a new era of intelligence and innovation, giving rise to smart individuals. Alongside the Sitawaka and Kotte kingdoms, Gampaha stood as sturdy bastions and strongholds. As Colombo evolved into the economic hub, the Gampaha district experienced substantial growth through its airport, investment prospects, and flourishing trade zones. Exploring Gampaha’s history, previously known as Henarathgoda, reveals a story of ingenuity and advancement.
The symbol of this transformation lies in the first rubber tree planted in Gampaha. Since that initial planting at the Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, our economy has undergone significant shifts. The colonial era brought tea and coffee plantations, yet it was the introduction of rubber cultivation that truly reshaped our economic landscape over time. Gampaha has been a district at the forefront of initiating such profound changes, with this transformation originating from within Gampaha itself. It remains a pivotal location for driving positive change. Throughout history and continuing into today, Gampaha has led the way in this new journey, and its people will continue to lead towards a better tomorrow.
As someone born after ’77, I don’t remember the situation before the open market economy. The conditions prior to ’77 were not merely political; during that era, queues for kerosene and rice were common. However, this has changed since the introduction of the open market economy.
After these changes, goods became more widely available, marking the beginning of economic improvement. Before the open market economy, most households lacked TVs and radios. However, with the introduction of the open market economy, TVs and radios became commonplace in homes. This period also witnessed an increase in emigration as the country began to experience economic development. This transformative shift was initiated by the late President J.R. Jayawardene, who hailed from Gampaha. These reforms were further facilitated by President Jayawardene and Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, who held a cabinet position during this transformation and is now serving as the President, elected to represent Biyagama in parliament.
Our children should learn this history. When we understand history properly, it paves the way for our children to have a brighter future.
The Colebrooke reforms marked the most significant change in the country at that time. After those refroms, It was only after these reforms that people had money in their hands, leading to the emergence of a new middle class and the expansion of the economy. J.R. Jayawardena spearheaded this transformation. Born in Gampaha, he initiated projects like the Biyagama Industrial Zone, which are still successfully implemented today. Subsequently, similar projects began across the country.
In Gampaha, there are intelligent individuals capable of driving this vision and program forward. The people of Gampaha have a history of enduring and adapting to change. Therefore, we must seek long-term solutions rather than temporary patches for current problems. During the economic collapse, practical solutions were imperative. Today, our goal is to create a nation that liberates our children from the shackles of debt.
Some shout on stages that we will do this and that once we come into power. However, the country needs a long-term plan to address these economic challenges and reform the existing system. That is why today, we embark on a long journey to strengthen the minds of children, empower the industrial sector that creates smart products, develop the country’s manufacturing economy, and free the nation from debt.
We must implement a program that moves forward with intelligent work without wasting time. Failure to act appropriately and make sound decisions today will force us to address issues with greater difficulty in the future. If that occurs, we will face significant problems, losing our comfort and stability. We should gradually transition to a sustainable program without falling back into the debt trap, queuing for oil, or resorting to the International Monetary Fund.
Gampaha people believe in the God of gold. During his lifetime, Kelani Gage gave light to the people going on the boat ferries. After his death, people started worshiping him as Lord of Gold. The President is also working to give light to the people of the country like the God of Ranwala. Today we are leading this country on the path shown by the President. We are working to lead the country towards development.
The people of Gampaha believe in the God of Ranawla. During his lifetime, he illuminated the journeys of people traveling on the Kelani River in boats or ferries. After his death, people began worshipping him as the Lord of Ranwala. The President is also working to illuminate the lives of the country’s people, similar to the God of Ranawla. Today, we are following the path shown by the President, leading the country towards development.