President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appealed to all parties to come together to re-unite a divided country by eradicating terrorism and to uplift the national economy.

The President made this appeal yesterday at the BMICH, when he addressed the 'Soorya Sinha' Certificate Awards Ceremony where 34 leading indigenous Brands were recognised for awards from the President.

The event is a part of an integrated national programme and a new initiative of the Mawbima Lanka Padanama, an organisation legally formed to build, promote and support local brands and strengthen local entrepreneurs, in their bid to reach the top locally and internationally.

President Rajapaksa pointed out that the country has had similar 'Buy Our Own Products' campaigns in the '70s, following the industrial renaissance in the '60s.

However, with the passage of time and the introduction of the 'open economy', several local industries failed, and some even closed down. Now the Mawbima Lanka Padanama has re-started their 'Buy Sri Lankan, be Sri Lankan' campaign to save valuable foreign exchange draining out of the country for imports, and thereby uplift the national economy.

"However, our local producers should produce goods of high quality on par with the highest international quality standards.

The consumer who is desirous of purchasing our local products, should not be held to ransom to accept sub-standard goods instead. Our garments have achieved high standards which are in demand in the global markets due to their quality. We are proud of them.

This is also an encouragement and an impetus in our efforts to eradicate terrorism and build an independent economy. This is our duty and also our responsibility," he said. He noted that the State sector would be directed to purchase and utilise locally manufactured vehicles, especially the vehicles purchased on permits.

The President said that the country's future generations should not be burdened with the task of settling the debts of the consumers unknown to them. The Government has gone that extra mile than any other Government in the past. Earlier, concepts which threatened agriculture has been dramatically changed.

"Paddy, tea, rubber, onions and pepper among others fetch high and favourable prices now. The purchasing patterns have also changed. We have focused our attention on enhancing the livestock industry only when the milk powder prices had gone up.

We request the people to partake rice thrice a day only when the price of wheat flour is jacked up. This is however an opportunity for change and a blessing in disguise. This is not a journey solely for the Government. We need the co-operation of the entire Nation," he added.

The Chairman of the Mawbima Lanka Padanama Ariyaseela Wickramanayake, Director Kulatunga Rajapaksha, Dr. Wasantha Bandara, JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe and several others also addressed the ceremony.

Courtesy: Daily News