"For instance, we have made efforts to resolve land issues faced by the people in the Matara district, for decades.
We have offered them a solution by giving title deeds.
If we rescue them from the land issue, that, in return, will ensure their economic stability and wellbeing," the Minister said, while addressing an event in Deniyaya yesterday, to present title deeds to nearly 4000 people in the area.
The event took place under the auspices of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Land Reforms and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gayantha Karunathilake was also present at the occasion.
"When we assumed office, we gave various promises to the people. We, as a government, have not forgotten those promises.
As we move forward, we deliver on our promises, one by one.
The initiative to resolve land issues is one such example," the Minister said.
"We also promised to stabilize the prices of tea. We delivered on that promise as well. Now, the tea cultivators have got a stable price and our efforts have paid off," Ratnayaka added.
The Minister, however, said the economy of the district should not fully depend on tea.
"We need to broad-base our avenues of income.
The tourism industry offers some good opportunities to the district. We will pursue them in the near future."
The economy of the southern province will also be strengthened by the development of the Hambanthota Port," the Minister said, adding that the government had already fast-tracked the development programs in the Hambantota district.
"Our initial task was to create a safe and stable environment for everyone in the country.
We have fulfilled that task over the last two and a half years and now it is time to move towards economic prosperity," he said.