Govt saved thousands of lives - President

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Govt saved thousands of lives - President
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that certain elements with vested interests were trying to find fault with the country's accomplishment of ending terrorism, which caused unprecedented destruction in the country for over 30 long years.
He noted that there were elements within who send reports detrimental to the country to earn dollars and petty political mileage.
He pointed out that the government had been able to stop the 30 year long carnage, save thousands of human lives, create a society in which everybody could live without fear, rehabilitate youth who were led on the wrong path and fast track development which was lagging behind for the last 30 years.
The President emphasized that the government had conducted a humanitarian mission to save thousands of lives and added that in this backdrop surfacing of certain allegations on the accomplishment without substantial proof was unfortunate.
He noted the above addressing over 3,000 midwives at Temple Trees who had gathered to commemorate International Midwifery Day - 2011.
He noted that the government was now fully focused on rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure and fast tracking development which was lagging behind.
He said that the Government had the determination to face any challenge and was committed to stand up to its responsibility of taking the country forward.
In this backdrop he said that the Government appreciates the stand taken by the people to support its endeavours with one voice. He also urged all to act prudently with the best interest of the country in mind.
On the service rendered by Midwives President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the country appreciated the excellent service provided by them and added they had a responsibility in helping the mother to raise a healthy and productive child.
He also said that Sri Lanka had emerged as one of the top country's in the region when it came to child and maternity care. He also highlighted the fact of midwife Lalitha Padmini emerging as one of the top four in her profession in a global competition and added that the midwife fraternity could be proud of these achievements.
He also advised them to concentrate on alleviating mal-nutrion among children.
The President told them to use their influence at village level to convince people on the value of cultivating food crops in their home gardens. This in turn could effectively contribute to the enhancement of nutritional levels of the family, specially the mother and the child, he added. The event was organized by the Government Midwifery Service Association. The theme of this year was an efficient midwifery service for safe motherhood.
Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Dr. Umanga Sooriyarachchi, Midwifery Association Secretary Devika Kodituwakku, Chairman, State Services Trade Union, W.H. Piyadasa too addressed the gathering.
Awards were presented to several midwives for their outstanding contributions, including Lalitha Padmini who rose to international fame due to her achievements.