The UNP today warned that there would be a public surge very soon if the government continued to violate democratic norms through its actions such as the introduction of a bill to acquire underperforming and unutilised assets.

Addressing a press conference, UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya said that autocratic ruler Robert Mugabe also introduced similar legislations to acquire private assets in Zimbabwe at that time.

Mr. Jayasuriya said that the local industries suffered a severe blow in 1956 due to the decision by the then government to take over privately owned plantations, bus companies and mines, and the present government was trying to repeat the same mistake despite its dangerous consequences on the economy.

“In 1956, all plantations owned by local entrepreneurs were taken over.  It was a blow to the local industries. In India, the rulers never did so. They only encouraged their entrepreneurs and investors. Therefore, India has been able to produce internationally renowned billionaires such as Birla and Tata,” he said.

However, he said that some Sri Lankan entrepreneurs were able rise against all odds after the 1956 blunder, and Mr. Daya Gamage who owns the Sevanagala Sugar Company and Harry Jayawardane who owns the Pelawatte Sugar Company were two of them. (Kelum Bandara)