"The success of any vision or perception depends on taking the correct decision at the correct time by the correct person, in selecting the most suitable person to the post. This has been perfectly demonstrated by the President. President Mahinda Rajapaksa in selecting Basil Rajapaksa as the Minister of Economic Development" the Ashraff congress said in a statement a few days ago.

It is appropriate, at this juncture, to mention that the Muslim Community has taken the correct decision in supporting the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in the recently concluded General Election. This is clearly evident in the voting pattern in the "Gampaha District" where the Muslim voters, who were traditionally UNP supporters voted for the UPFA. More than 50 per cent voted for Basil Rajapaksa who secured the unparalleled 425,000preferential votes, highest in the whole island creating electoral history.

"Economic development means an increase in the Gross Domestic Product, by which the average per capita income of an individual will be raised. This in turn will increase the "purchasing power" of the people, a factor which will determine the standard of living and the quality of life. This must reflect the wellbeing of the people, not merely developments depicted by the data and statistical analysis. In other words overall economic development means a commendable increase in "goods and services" which will have a direct bearing on the standard and quality of human life," the release said.

The Ministry of Economic Development covers a wide spectrum of activities encompassing all other ministries; since each and every event or action will have direct or indirect effect on the overall economy of the country.