The President after opening the newly built Divisional Secretariat office in Ratnapura, held a special  District Development Committee Meeting at its new Auditorium on Tuesday (15).

Speaking at the Development Committee Meeting, the President emphasised that all politicians should protect and safeguard the law of the country without changing or making amendments for petty political gains. He also said that state officials should work together with the political authority in order to pass out benefits to the people.

The President brought to the notice that construction of Colombo Ratnapura expressway will begin in September and instructed the officials concerned to look into the possibility of extending the Kelaniweli railway line up to Ratnapura, parallel to this expressway.

Ministers W.D.J.Senevirathna, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Basil Rajapaksa, Ms.Pavitra Wanniarachchi, Sabaragamuwa Province Governor W.J.M.Lokubandara, Chief Minister Maheepala Herath, Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekera, Parliamentarians Sunny Rohana, Janaka Wakkumbura, Ranjith Soysa, Presidential Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath and Finance Ministry Secretary Dr.P.B.Jayasundara were among those present.(KH/SI)