President Chandrika Kumaratunga on Monday appointed a high-powered Committee to co-ordinate and monitor the all on-going development projects. She urged that whatever the action taken by the political authorities in the spheres of political process the government offices and the development activities should function and continue unabated. "Projects earmarked and initiated for the well-being of the masses should continue" reiterated the President.

The President at a meeting held on Monday at the President’s House directed the Senior Government Officials to expedite the projects undertaken by various government agencies in co-ordination with the ministers and the secretaries of the respective ministries.

She also told the committee to study the schemes implemented by Western Provincial Council with regard to road development and to introduce them to all other relevant agencies as well.

The Western Provincial Council on a suggestion made by President has now introduced a scheme for road construction where the contractor will have to make use of the equipment and machinery of the Provincial Road Development Authority. Further, the contractors are also required to enter into an agreement to maintain the roads so constructed for a further period of four years.

The President added that this has helped to minimize the cost of road development.

The committee appointed by the President to coordinate and monitor projects undertaken by all ministries comprise Senior officials of key development ministries and the General Treasury.