Over 55,000 development projects launched in three years with zero propaganda

Sagala stresses need for immediate corrective measures

Project Management, Youth Affairs and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka said over the past three years, the Government has launched over 55,000 development projects in various part of the country and that it has spent over Rs. 1 million on each project. 

“It is tragic that we have failed to communicate this effectively to the public. Development communication must be at the heart of government propaganda,” said Ratnayaka yesterday (26), addressing a meeting on developing infrastructure in rural areas. 

Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena, Prime Minister’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Media and Finance Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of Project Management, Youth Affairs and Southern Development Gamini Seneviratne and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Saman Athaudahetti were also present at the meeting. 

“There is a dire need for a comprehensive campaign on what we have done for the public. The people at the grassroots level are unaware of the crucial decisions made at the top level. These issues need to be corrected. One would say it’s too late now but we must understand the importance of these corrective measures,” he added. 

“Development alone is not enough to stay on top of our game. The due value should be given to communication as well,” Ratnayaka said, adding that immediate measures have to be adopted to fill this ‘communication gap.’