Government and provincial councils should provide necessary facilities to public organisations to conduct social service activities, which would allow these institutions to perform immense service to the public, stated former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The former President made these remarks yesterday (22) while attending as the chief guest at the opening of the "Lions Centennial Vocational Training Centre" near the Biyagama Free Trade Zone, built by Lions District 306 D4.
Reflecting on the project's origins, the former President noted that the Biyagama Lions Club proposed building a vocational training centre to mark the Lions' centenary.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, he allocated a plot of land within the Free Trade Zone and provided funding for the initiative. As a member of the Biyagama Lions Club himself, he fulfilled the request, leading to the centre's official opening for public use.
He emphasised that many individuals currently lack the financial means to obtain vocational training and require support.
He expressed high appreciation for the establishment of such institutions and stressed that the government and provincial councils should facilitate their maintenance. Given the significant social contribution of these centres, establishing similar facilities in every district remains a vital necessity.
Comparing the current state of the region to 50 years ago, he observed that the area transitioned from being highly underdeveloped—lacking roads, electricity, water, and health facilities—to a thriving industrial hub.
He extended special thanks to the Biyagama Lions Club for providing the vocational training centre to the developed region.
The ceremony also featured addresses from former International Lions President Mahendra Amarasuriya, Lions District 306 D4 Governor Lawyer Mahesh Katulanda, and former Governors Nimal Senadheera and Kingsley Bernard.
Several other dignitaries, including former International Lions Director Mahesh Pasqual, attended the event.
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