(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – President Maithripala Sirisena says he would take every possible step would be taken as a Government to strengthen the co-operative movement which is a common people’s movement. He added that the Government will take maximum possible steps to free the co-operative movement from taxes.
The President was speaking at the 95th International Co-operative Day celebration held on Saturday (01) at the Maligapitiya Playground in Kurunegala.
“The strengthening of the co-operative movement is a main factor to alleviate poverty in Sri Lanka. We should develop many fields related to the co-operative movement to increase the foreign exchange earnings and income from exports as well” he pointed out.
He added that everybody in the co-operative field should fulfil their responsibility to make the vision of the co-operative movement for 2020 successful.
Minister of Industries and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen presented the Co-operative Development Vision – 2020 to the President at this occasion.
The cheque worth Rs. 100 million provided to the Co-operative Workers’ Fund of Wayamba Province, by the Co-operative Board was officially handed over by the President at this occasion.
The President presented the awards and certificates to the winners of the competitions organized in line with the International Co-operative Day. He also offered the key of a house built for a low income family.
Wayamba Provincial Minister of Roads, Transport, Co-operative Development and Commerce, Building of Houses, Industry and Rural Development Gunadasa Dehigama presented a souvenir to the President at this occasion.
Ministers Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, S. B. Nawinna, State Minister T. B. Ekanayake, Champika Premadasa, Governor of Wayamba Province Amara Piyasili Rathnayake, Chief Minister Dharmasiri Dasanayake, Chief Minister of Central Province Sarath Ekanayake, Member of Parliament (MPs) J. C. Alawathuwala and Shantha Bandara and the Commissioner of Co–operative Development S. L. Naseer were among those participated in this event.