• Says people should act consciously when attempts are made to resuscitate the economy

UNP Chairman MP Vajira Abeywardena said tax revenue  collected from private sector employees and tourism should not be  rendered wasteful because of trade union actions.   

Making his remarks at a recent public meeting, he said all  the people should act consciously when attempts are made to resuscitate the economy for the greater good of all. He said in case of a salary increment for public servants,  tax revenue collected from private sector workers and tourism is used.  Also, he said that though the state institutions do not generate any  revenue for the country, they are needed for administrative operations.    

“Strikes will paralyse the private sector, while negative  publicity will prevent the tourists from visiting the nation. Such a  situation will prevent the government from collecting much-needed  revenue for the salary increments,” the MP said.   

“President Ranil Wickremesinghe has already pledged a  salary hike for public servants, and he had promised to make a request  from the private sector to increase salaries of private sector workers.  He had said that this would be done in line with the government’s policy  of increasing salaries as and when the cost of goods and services increases.  Strike actions and a slump in tourism will prevent the government from  implementing this policy,” 
he added.   

“Sri Lankans have just passed an era when they used to applaud whenever they saw a lorry full of gas cylinders and a bowser with fuel.  I accepted some essential goods in the Port with gratitude and sadness  at that time. I would like to tell all political parties to forget about  political gains now. They should not use poverty as a political tool.  Leftist political parties have supported the presidents in the past. We  expect the leftist parties to support President Wickremesinghe as well.  We also appeal to political parties which represent minority communities  to support the government,” he also said.          

• Sri Lankans have just passed an era when they used to applaud whenever they saw a lorry full of gas cylinders and a bowser with fuel