Rulers, officials should refrain from corruption

14 May 2018 07:47 am - 34 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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If Sri Lanka’s economy is to develop to the level expected, measures should be taken to keep corruption out of State institutions, former Defence Secretary and the Chairman of the "Viyath Maga" Organisation Gotabaya Rajapaksa said yesterday.

Addressing the annual convention-2018 of the Viyath Maga organisation which was held in Colombo under the theme ‘An Intellectually Inspired Sri Lanka’, Mr. Rajapaksa said one of the obstacles to achieve economic growth was State corruption. “We should take measures to stop officials from indulging in corrupt practices. Also, it is of paramount importance that we have clean politicians and officials of high calibre in these institutions,” he said.

Enumerating on the objective of "Viyath Maga", he said the world’s economy was shifting towards the Asian Region and their objective was to make sure Sri Lankan professionals were prepared for this shift. “By the year 2030, China, US, India, Japan and Indonesia will dominate the world’s economy as the five countries which have great economies in the world. Except for the US, the other four countries are from Asia. We are trying to get our professionals, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs ready for this shift by 2030 and to elevate Sri Lanka’s economy,” he said.

While stating that economic growth is vital, Mr. Rajapaksa said proper education, innovation, profitable investments, efficient management of state resources and social security were needed to achieve a sustainable economy.

He also said people's requirements today have changed and apart from materialistic and cultural aspects they seek to fulfil social and democratic needs. “It is vital to respect the equality that exists among communities and to respect the values of each person,” he said.

He said the country's economic reforms and law enforcement should go hand in hand. “In order to achieve economic growth, the rule of law should be maintained and the law should treat everyone equally. Everyone in the country should respect the Constitution,without going beyond this frame,” he said.

He said the economy was not built on policies but on the people who implement these policies. “The economy is not about growth capital but about the people who invest the capital. The economy is not based on the statistics of exports but on the people who travel to work daily in buses as well as those who work as farmers or work in factories from 9 am to 5 pm,” he said.

Several other speakers including Professor Rohan Gunaratne, Vidya Jyothi Dr. Bandula Wijeratne, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Mr. Mano Sekeram, Dr. Ismath Ramzy and Eranda Ginige spoke at the convention.

Former President and MP Mahinda Rajapaksa, other political leaders, MPs and invitees attended the convention.(Lahiru Pothmulla)

Video by Buddhi

Pics by Kithsiri de Mel

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Comments - 34

Anthony Monday, 14 May 2018 09:12 AM

if only your Brother MR and relations followed what you say, this country would have been right on top, and yet ruled by the Rajapakses.

Perumal Monday, 14 May 2018 07:19 PM

He missed two words "..must refrain...except Rajapakses"

Theepan Monday, 14 May 2018 09:14 AM

I am from jaffna. I agree with you notwithstanding what happened in the past.Our country to go forward we must have sound opposition leader. Our current one is very old and he wants to remain for nothing.at least sumathiran is 100 times better then him

Andi Tuesday, 15 May 2018 04:55 PM

Untill Tamils like theepan continue boiling the pot of Tamil supremacy, there will be no peace to Tamils. Sumathiran , Vignashwarn , Gajendran should learn that they are creating the mindset for another Purbaharan.

Jude Monday, 14 May 2018 09:21 AM

Whoa, whoa, whoa!! Since when Gota become a Intellectual !!!???? Ironic huh!!

Abu Umar Monday, 14 May 2018 09:24 AM

Look who is talking!!!!

yahiya Monday, 14 May 2018 09:25 AM

Laugh or cry?

Don Juwan Monday, 14 May 2018 09:25 AM

We listen to a nice speech, but by whom? When you go back to 10 years of history from today of the speaker and of some from the audience you feel amused.

sach Monday, 14 May 2018 07:36 PM

what is amusing there? Do you know Gota remove corruption from armed forces arms purchasing which had reached amazing heights during CBK era?

Premalal Monday, 14 May 2018 09:44 AM

Where did so many wolves find so many sheep skins?

nirmalath Monday, 14 May 2018 04:38 PM

When people are out of office, they relate fairy tales. When they come to power, they forget the others, the country and hell bent on promoting themselves, violating every law and discipline.

vasaliya Monday, 14 May 2018 04:39 PM

hmmpphhh...hahahahahaha.....I have now become an automatic choice for white van abductions...

CITIZEN Monday, 14 May 2018 04:41 PM

Half the first row seated are No. 1 rogues!!

Justin Monday, 14 May 2018 04:44 PM

Hi GotaWhat about the MIG deal?

kat Monday, 14 May 2018 04:50 PM

has anyone noticed the bangle around MR's arm? another astro gimmick or just playing the gangster?

Punchinilame Monday, 14 May 2018 05:31 PM

The speaker was reading off a print by Moragoda in China,the Chinese influence in a future election contested byRajapakse family and brothers is a last ditch stand.

Malcomx Monday, 14 May 2018 09:45 PM

Before trying to come to power he said this

hperera Monday, 14 May 2018 05:51 PM

You have forgotten to add something: Not to kill innocent people too.

Dhammika Monday, 14 May 2018 05:51 PM

PREACHING the GOOD and PRACTICING EVIL .

Gona Monday, 14 May 2018 05:55 PM

Are you talking to Sri lankankans to foreign audiences?For a man who has amnesia not fit to address gathering. Anyway Sri Lankan’s weak point always thinking grass greener other side and falling for crooks and thieves and murderers

Mark Monday, 14 May 2018 06:10 PM

Is it a family function? So they can talk and crack jokes on their own!

billi billard Monday, 14 May 2018 06:34 PM

kindly share the details who funded the "piyata maga"

mugunthan Monday, 14 May 2018 06:45 PM

WHAT A HONEST DECENT AND PIOUS MAN HE IS HA,HA,HA

Aliya Monday, 14 May 2018 06:48 PM

Wadi bana

Khumbiyoo Monday, 14 May 2018 06:49 PM

Who let the dog out!!! Woken from deep slumber and mata mathaka nah, wait wait let me try to recollect!!!

Don Monday, 14 May 2018 08:09 PM

Where the money went through Avan-Garde and Army head Quarters land selling busyness?

mudannayake Monday, 14 May 2018 08:15 PM

Oh. See the crowd in the pictures- They have done wonders to this poor country.

ala Monday, 14 May 2018 08:18 PM

Rulers officials should refrain from corruption? He's taking to the wrong audience, or is he trying to say "Rulers officials should refrain from corruption hereafter"?What a joker, the business community are there since they always play both sides of the divide.

Gammay Baiya Monday, 14 May 2018 08:22 PM

This was Mahinda's vision also. But we all know how that ended. We don't need politicians. All we need is one statesman who will end the lip service and execute what he promises.

Dee Monday, 14 May 2018 08:33 PM

You are right and wrong. You claim that the country prospered during your time. If so what you say is 'wrong'!

jayantha Monday, 14 May 2018 09:49 PM

Looters are gathering for the third time within very short period to have fun at Shangri la.

thilak Tuesday, 15 May 2018 08:52 AM

this lecture should have been reserved for your brother and your extended family

R.Anthony Tuesday, 15 May 2018 01:25 PM

LOL!!!!! First get YOUR Amnesia treated. Memories dont leave like people do.

Nadi Karunaratne Tuesday, 15 May 2018 01:31 PM

The good people of Sri Lanka must do all that they can to thwart this cold hearted tyrant. He inhabits a moral desert and personifies evil.

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Rulers, officials should refrain from corruption

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