• We believe that making suggestions on resolving issues which the nation is facing is much effective than accepting ministerial portfolios and becoming an ally of the government

By Yohan Perera 

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the main opposition, says it sticks to its position that the government should strike a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or a similar body and reschedule its debt payment.  

SJB National Organiser MP Tissa Attanayake told a press conference that his party had already come up with proposals to take the nation out of the present crisis. 
“We believe that making suggestions on resolving issues which the nation is facing is much effective than accepting ministerial portfolios and becoming an ally of the government,” Mr. Attanayake said. 
He said the advice which SJB should do is to with regard to the financial crisis is to get the assistance of either IMF or a similar internationally accepted body and to reschedule debts. 

With regard to the power crisis, he said President and Prime Minister should intervene in the matter and should discuss it in the cabinet. Switching the signal lights, signboards off and limiting working hours as suggested by one Minister is not going to help. Such measures will have more adverse effects,” he added. 

Responding to a question with regard to the decision made by the Supreme Court to hear the second case of Contempt of Court against former MP Ranjan Ramanayake, the SJB National Organiser said the party’s parliamentary group had already made a request to release Mr. Ramanayake from prison. “We expect that Mr. Ramanayake be released on February 4, 2022,” he said.

• Switching the signal lights, signboards off and limiting working hours as suggested by one Minister is not going to help