However, the Government is now taking the economy on the path of recovery and the economy will achieve unprecedented growth with new innovations, the Minister predicted.

While noting that the public were questioning when the government was going to provide relief for them, Minister Karunanayake said that people's expectations will soon bear fruit as the country is slated to undergo a revolutionary change in its economy, in the near future.

"Many ask us what benefits they will get under the Yahapalana Government. I have one request; give us a brief time further to revive this economy and lift it to greater heights," he said.

"We took over an economy, which had been destroyed due to corrupt practices and financial indiscipline. But we will never let the people feel the ill effects of these economic issues."

The Minister made these remarks on Saturday (April 09) while participating as the chief guest at an event held to declare open the Crow Island Beach Park at Mattakkuliya.

The beach park built at a cost of Rs. 275 million on a two kilometre stretch includes restaurants, children's play areas and an open theatre.

Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of National Co-existence Dialogue and Official Languages Mano Ganesan and Colombo Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil also participated in the event.

Speaking further, Minister Karunanayake said earlier it was like the 'Colambata Kiri Gamata Kekiri' story. "But under our government we will ensure that all, irrespective of where they live, will receive equal opportunities and facilities," he said.

"Earlier we were distanced by the international community due to ethnic disharmony which prevailed in the country then. Today the scenario is different, we have strengthened friendships and the international community is focusing on Sri Lanka with new vigour."

The Minister said the beach park will bring numerous benefits to the people in the area. Noting that the North Colombo area is the most under-developed area in Colombo, the Minister promised to make all efforts to "rectify this anomaly."

He added that with Colombo harbour destined to undergo further development, the value of the Crow Island Beach Park will go up and asked the people to protect the facility.

"It is your duty to protect this facility. I request the Police to allow the public to move freely in this area. However, any illegal activities should not be condoned. We need to act with discipline. We need to act with discipline to build the country as well. When the country develops the people will reap the benefits."

Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka addressing the gathering said irregular city development is the main reason for the problems in the Colombo north area.

He noted that the Crow Island area was earlier famous for illegal activities, drugs, and was a place frequented by the underworld, and the educated and well to do people shunned the area.

"We will not only work towards transforming the socio-economic face of this area but will also develop the environment," Minister Ranawaka said.

Speaking on the occasion Minister Mano Ganesan said "We are all talking about co-existence. In my ministry one area is about co-existence and about national languages. We need to initiate dialogue to achieve co-existence, strengthen harmony. We all should work as one."

The Minister also said that he had no doubt that Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake will do his utmost to uplift the North Colombo area.