January 26, Colombo (LNW):In a recent address during the inauguration of the ancient Bodhi Prakaraya and Golden Fence at Sapugaskanda Abeysekararama on the morning of January 25, President Ranil Wickremesinghe reaffirmed his commitment to guiding the country’s progress in the coming years. Drawing inspiration from the success story of Biyagama, the President reflected on his early political career in the Biyagama Constituency, emphasizing the positive outcomes of strategic economic decisions, particularly the establishment of the Biyagama Investment Zone.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted the remarkable progress achieved by Biyagama, once characterized by underdevelopment, as a testament to the efficacy of those decisions. Expressing his vision for national progress, he outlined plans to replicate such success nationwide by leveraging the advantages of an open economy. The President stated his intention to establish new investment zones across the country with the aim of significantly boosting the national economy.
During the event, which included the inauguration of the newly constructed ancient Bodhi Prakaraya and Golden Fence, President Wickremesinghe commended the efforts of the organizers, including Deputy Incumbent Ven. Banagala Vimalatissa Thera and Chief Incumbent Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera.
President Wickremesinghe reminisced about his early political journey in the Biyagama Constituency, highlighting the region’s underdevelopment at that time. Despite initial challenges and skepticism, the President recalled the success of the Biyagama Free Trade Zone, which has evolved into a thriving hub with numerous factories, shops, and other businesses. He credited the belief in Biyagama’s potential for growth under an open economy and drew parallels with the successful model initiated by late President J.R. Jayewardene in Katunayake.
The President underscored the need to generate employment opportunities and enhance the country’s income, emphasizing the importance of establishing new industries and investment prospects. Inspired by the success of Biyagama, President Wickremesinghe expressed his commitment to replicating the development model in other provinces, including Dalugama, Kiribathgoda, Makola, Mawaramandiya, and Kadawatha, with the goal of amplifying the national economy tenfold.
The Chief Sanghanayaka of Japan, Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera, highlighted President Wickremesinghe’s deep connection with Sapugaskanda, describing it as his political stronghold and the place where he initiated his political journey.
