President Maithripala Sirisena said the government should give priority to projects focusing on uplifting of the economic status of underprivileged people in the new year.

He made these remarks participating at the progress review meeting of the “Pibidemu Polonnaruwa (Awakening of Polonnaruwa)” District Development Programme held at the Polonnaruwa District Secretariat, today (22).

Sirisena said that during the last three years too, the Government has given priority for the development projects implemented to support and uplift economic standard of low-income families, than the mega development projects. 

The President also stressed the need of proper financial discipline and financial management when planning the development projects and said that it is the responsibility of officials to give maximum benefits to the public.

Already, 50 percent work of the project has been completed and, it was discussed in detail regarding successful implementation of the project in next year with the experiences of previous years.

Expressing his views on this project, the President said that this project will turn Polonnaruwa into a fully developed district in 2018.

The President emphasized the importance of strengthening the local dairy industry, and directed authorities to provide more facilities.