– Minister Bimal Rathnayake
Bimal Rathnayake, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament of Sri Lanka, says that it is difficult for us to win alone and requests professionals to unite and work together to contribute to the nation-building process, for which the current government has provided all necessary facilities and freedom to professionals and the working people.
The Minister expressed these views while attending as the Chief Guest at the 35th Annual General Meeting of the Road Development Authority (RDA) Engineers’ Association. The event was held on yesterday at the Water’s Edge Hotel complex in Battaramulla.
Further elaborating, the Minister stated: “It is important for all of us to unite, and it is strength. It is necessary to act to protect rights. It is the right of everyone. The Road Development Authority is a leading institution that provides the largest services in the construction sector of this country. Within that institution, while fighting together for rights, you also need to align yourselves to work together on development projects. It is important to win rights without resorting to strikes. The government stands with the working people for this; have no doubts. Let’s unite and fight for rights. And let’s also work together. I am with you on the stance that rights must be obtained.
“Highest allocations will be provided to improve the country’s infrastructure over the next four years”
This government has decided to allocate the highest financial provisions for the development of the country’s infrastructure in the next four years. Massive investments will be made in development projects in this country in the future. It has now been a year since our government was established. As professionals, you must contribute to building a country where our future generations can live with a proper understanding of the government. In the past, professionals chose ‘flying instead of fighting’.
Solving the professional problems of the Road Development Authority requires effort and the agreement of everyone. Problems cannot be solved through disunity. Don’t lose the common victory due to disunity. Let’s all unite and pave a way forward that is fair to everyone. Individuals cannot solve problems alone. We cannot build ourselves up alone either. For that, as the government, as a society, and as high-ranking state officials, there is a responsible part to play. The government must take on a part of the burden placed on the people. The private sector must also take on a part. “To build a ‘Rich Country – Beautiful Life’ (Pohosath Ratak – Lassana Jeevithayak), everyone must align themselves, work together, and achieve the goals.”
The event was attended by a large number of people including Kapila C. K. Perera, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation; T. Paskaran, Chairman of the Road Development Authority; Wimal Kandambi, Director General; P. H. Gunasinghe, President of the Engineers’ Association; as well as provincial directors, chief engineers, and executive engineers.
