President made these observations at a function yesterday to handover MV Lagoons Passenger vessel manufactured by the Colombo Dockyard to the Government of India.

The current government is always willing to ensure the transparency of the government institutions, the President emphasized adding that it is a responsibility of everyone to shun corruption and fraud at government offices which generate national income.

Majority of the income generated by the Colombo Port has to be utilized to repay the loans obtained for the construction of Hambantota port and if this situation did not occur this country and its people would have benefitted from all the revenue, the President pointed out.

This government is keen to perform its duties empowered by new attitudes and everyone should identify his or her duties for the benefit of next generation.

Production of this vessel is a clear testimony of the knowledge and technology of our engineers, President further said.

MV Laggons the second 400 passenger cum 250 ton cargo vessel will join its identical sister vessel MV Corals which was also built and delivered by Colombo Dockyard. With the operation of the latest vessel, it will further ease the congestion and provide uninterrupted service for passengers and freight from Cochin to Lakshadweep islands which generally takes around 20 hours.

Chairman Board of Investment Mr. Upul Jayasooriya, Chairman Colombo Dockyard PLC Dr. Dr. Toru Takehara and representatives of the Indian government were also present at the occasion.