Confusion reigns over potential attack in Arugam Bay: Ruwan

By Yohan Perera

There is confusion regarding the situation in Arugam Bay as there seemed to be two schools of thought as to who was planning to stage an attack, UNP Deputy Leader and National Democratic Front (NDF) Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.

“Confusions reign as some believe the attack was to be launched by some terror groups, while there are others who believe that an underworld group was planning it. This confusion has cost Sri Lanka millions in the form of tourism revenue,” Mr. Wijewardene told a meeting in Ganemulla.

“Sri Lanka is out to lose much-needed foreign currency as foreign tourists may be in two minds whether to visit Sri Lanka or not,” he added. Also, he said the inexperience of those in the NPP government has caused both economic and security issues lately.

“IMF’s third tranche has been postponed after the remark made by President Dissanayake that his government intends to renegotiate the agreement with Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is expected to get the third tranche only by April next year. The government has now begun borrowing funds from banks to meet its expenditures. There is a limit to borrowings and one will have to think of other alternative ways to raise funds if this limit exceeds. This situation with regard to the economy has also created uncertainty,” he stressed.