Leader of Opposition and United National Party (UNP) National Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today called on the government to give lasting concessions to the working people through the next budget and not just election goodies which could be taken away later.

He also said that his party would back all trade unions for such a struggle.

Mr. Wickrmesinghe who met several trade union leaders at his office said the prices of essential goods were recently reduced aiming Uva provincial council elections.

He said prices of few essential items have been reduced aiming the presidential election as well. He said the prices were reduced through a gazette notification. Accordingly he said the government could issue new gazettes after the presidential elections and reverse the reduction of prices.

Therefore he said the working class should strive for sustainable concessions in the coming budget.

Mr. Wickremesinghe said his party will join other political parties and the trade unions gain sustainable concessions for the government, semi government and private sector workers.(Yohan Perera)