23 October 2024 12:19 pm Views - 2018
Collombo, October 23 (Daily Mirror) - The National People's Power (NPP), led by President Anura Dissanayake, should be allowed to govern freely for at least a year to reveal the true nature of the current government, former State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne said.
Speaking at a meeting in Kandy, he said that no one should rush to take over the government before that time.
Jayaratne pointed out that the current government made history by borrowing Rs. 60 billion within just 24 days, but yet failed to pay the teachers' salaries on time. He warned that the country's economic situation could worsen under the current government, stressing that it is the responsibility of the people to send a capable group to Parliament to prevent the country from collapsing again.
"Even after the general elections on November 14, even if there is a chance to form a government on November 15, we should not rush to take over the government. We have no such intentions. The new government should be allowed to govern for at least a year. Only then will the people see the true state of this administration," Jayaratne remarked.
He further criticised the government's failure to pay teachers' salaries, pointing out that this was just one example of the country's deteriorating situation.
Jayaratne clarified that they had foreseen this issue as early as September 21.
"We are not hypocritical about Anura Kumara becoming President. We don't wish for his downfall. If the country collapses under his leadership, everyone—regardless of political or ethnic backgrounds—will suffer. Factories will close, and there will be fuel and gas shortages. We must not let the country reach that point," he added.
Jayaratne also reminded the public that, on November 21, they had warned the nation about the impending crisis. He noted that President Dissanayake had previously asked whether it was shameful to repay a USD 71 billion debt, but today, his government has borrowed Rs. 60 billion in just 24 days—the highest amount ever borrowed in such a short period in Sri Lanka's history.
Jayaratne expressed concern about the economy's future, urging the public to think about the consequences in the next 6-7 months. He concluded by reiterating that the country cannot be allowed to collapse again and that a capable and visionary group must be present in Parliament when power is eventually transferred.