He said that the country has recorded a surplus of maize and paddy production and excess of maize would be used for the production of poultry products.The minister was addressing a press conference at the Economic Development Ministry yesterday.

According to Daily News, the minister said the country imported chicken an year ago and that the situation has changed with the launch of the Divi Neguma programme.

Minister Rajapaksa said that the government has decided to release a portion of paddy surplus from stores to be donated to Somalia. He said the government's aim is to build a family which can stand on its own.

"We want to provide electricity, water and other basic facilities for every household", he said.

The minister said that equal focus has also been laid on the health sector. The country had a doctor for 2,779 people in 2000 but now 1,443 people have one doctor, he said.

The minister also said that the prices of vegetables, rice and other essential items have dropped drastically.

Minister Rajapaksa added that a family can save Rs, 100 - RS 300 a day due to this price decrease.

He said that the country spends US$ 50 million for the import of dry chillies . He said the ministry expects to boost the production of dry chillies to save expenditure for exports. Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundera said the benefits of the country's economic growth should reach all segments equally. He said that the Divi Neguma programme is aimed at overall development in every household.