“The World Bank would not give us money chasing us. Part of our money contribution is in the World Bank…”

Ranjith Siyambalapitiya
Minister of Power and Renewable Energy

“The World Bank in particular is helping for developing countries. However it is not merely helping. It is helping in a means of a loan. It is providing this loan under less interest rate or without interest which is the only concession given by it. Whatever the government comes to power, if the budget is defeated, we have to repay such loans. Especially it is very difficult to implement the projects carried out based on community assistance with the participation of the people. However, as a government concept, we all have to make these projects operated on World Bank Assistance into success without party, color and race. The World Bank is not an institution which helps us in chasing behind. This is a Bank formed with their own funds of UN countries for their own benefits. We have obtained a membership by way of contribution to it” said Hon. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Minister of Power and Renewable Energy.

He gave this statement when he participated in inauguration ceremony of water and sanitary improvement project in Rambukkana area. It has been planned to complete this project operated under the supervision of Ministry of Urban Planning and Water Supplies within a period of one year, and thereby it is expected that about 759 families may be benefitted.

Ranjith Siyambalapitiya while expressing his view, said..,

“When I assumed my portfolio of Ministry of Power and Energy, about two and half lakhs of people had no electricity access. They did not have money to get power supply. One concept stroked my mind that all people of this country should be provided with electricity. I drew a plan to give electricity on an easy payment scheme if they do not have money to afford. I have forwarded that of concept to the Cabinet of Ministers, and with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers, such concept was implemented by all staff of Ceylon Electricity Board. Concept can appear in the mind of any person. But, government or an institution with the sponsorship of that of government only can put such concept into practice”.