We did agree but later decided not to sign: Akila

The previous government did agree on some points on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement with the US but later decided against signing it following the derogation by the general public with regard to the issue, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said today.

“We did discuss the MCC agreement with the US during our regime and even agreed on some points, but we decided against signing it because the general public went against it,” Mr. Kariyawasam said.

He said the present government had raised the issue to cover-up the real issues faced by the people.

“The Government is bringing new issues to the forefront to divert the people’s attention from the real issues. First, it was the fixing of world cup finals in 2011 and now the MCC agreement has been brought to the forefront,” he added.

Mr. Kariyawasam said the government should openly state that it will not sign the agreement if it is against it. (Yohan Perera)