President calls on Viyath Maga intellectuals to support Govt’s journey forward

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday called on the intellectuals of ‘Viyath Maga’ to actively participate in the Government’s journey to make a better and prosperous Sri Lanka.

Viyath Maga, comprised of professionals, academics and entrepreneurs representing a range of sectors, was launched in April 2017, and its activities made a deep impact in the political and social perspective among the public.

President highlighted that Viyath Maga was responsible in formulating strategies and policies to move the country towards prosperity, without getting involved in affairs that should be handled by political authority.

He made these remarks on Sunday, during his first meeting with Viyath Maga members after assuming duties at the Presidential office, at the organisation’s headquarters in Ethul Kotte.

State Ministries have been structured prioritising the promotion of economic and social conditions of the people at rural and urban levels. The President showed the Executive Council of Viyath Maga how they could contribute in accomplishing these objectives.

President Rajapaksa stated that Viyath Maga can guide State Ministries in their future tasks, by setting up sub-committees and presenting strategies and proposals. “You can also advise and direct Ministers to overcome challenges when they face difficulties in exercising their duties,” the President added.

President Rajapaksa observed that all development projects must adhere to environment preservation guidelines, and no harm should fall upon the environment.

President explained the decisions taken by the executive committee of Viyath Maga to the active members of the organisation, and showed the possibility to contribute in policymaking at the divisional level.  

The requirement of recruiting new members covering all the fields and areas were also considered during the discussion.

State Ministers Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Sarath Weerasekara, Dr. Seetha Arambepola, Member of Parliament Upul Galappaththi, and several others were present at the discussion.