COLOMBO (News 1st): Deputy Leader of UNP, Sajith Premadasa while attending an event to declare open the 213th model village constructed under the “Samata Sevana” housing programme, responded to requests to clarify his views on the foreign policy followed by the government.

He said that the model village which was vested in the public today (July 6) is also a result of one of his dealings with the international community. The Minister further said that when dealing with foreign countries that every transaction should bring benefit and add value to our country which is exactly how his father had also chosen to act.

The Deputy Leader said that it was also upon his request that a concessionary loan of Rs. 1.2 billion was obtained from the government of India to construct houses in the country. He further said that however if the people consider him suitable that he as his father will prove his capabilities by dealing with the foreign countries. He added that even the Hambantota port which was constructed using loans with high interest rates should be repaid despite the changes in the government.

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and the Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Dr Shifaq M Angule were also present at the event. This village was built with the funds received from the Government of India. This model village has been named Ranidu Gama and was constructed at a cost of Rs. 33.3 mn. The model village consists of 24 houses.

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