No matter the obstacles will not stop the programs launched to eradicate poverty : President

COLOMBO(News1st): Addressing a public meeting held at the Mahaweli Grounds in Mahiyanganaya, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that attempts are being made to create an issue surrounding the Port when there is none. The President said that he will not be intimidated by groups orchestrating these acts. The President said that regardless of all the obstacles, he will not stop the programs launched to eradicate poverty. The President made these remarks while touring the Badulla District, ensuring the victory of the SLPP Candidates in the area. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that the Government has a proper plan and it must be implemented. His Excellency said that he received the votes of 6.9 million people but those votes came from areas densely populated by Sinhalese people. "When a leader who cares about the country tries to do something some try to sabotage these plans. The ports have been closed down for no reason to leave our economy in ruins. I am not intimidated by these. I will eradicate poverty." President Rajapaksa said. The President pointed out that every time a leader who cares about the country comes into power extremist groups have worked towards sabotaging what that leader does. The President said that although employment opportunities were provided, the poor were deprived of these opportunities. The President said that the promises made in his manifesto will be fulfilled and the promised 150,000 job opportunities will be given to low-income families and graduates. The President added that a program will be implemented to train and provide job opportunities to students who pass their Ordinary and Advanced Level Examinations. The public gathered at the meeting informed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the threat of wild elephants in the area, the drug menace and the lack of facilities at the Dehigolla Maha Vidyalaya. The President also promised to complete the Moran Ela Irrigation Project and solve the issues surrounding the shortage of clean water in the area.