Opposition to vote against domestic restructuring programme

By Yohan Perera   

Though the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has decided to oppose the domestic restructuring programme, some Opposition members seemed to be having a different idea.   

SJB General Secretary MP Madduma Bandara told Daily Mirror that the Opposition decided to oppose it as the government is yet to reveal exactly what it is going to do with regard to the domestic debt restructuring programme. “We cannot support any programme which we have not seen,” he said. Asked as to whether President Ranil Wickremesinghe who called Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and MP Harsha de Silva had explained the programme, he said no explanation has been given.   

MP Eran Wickramatne also said the government should come out with its programme openly. Asked about the rumour that said some opposition MPs will vote in favour with the government, he said no one would vote in favour of a proposal which they have never seen.   

However MP de Silva earlier said his party is only opposed to domestic debt hair cut which is simply writing off from borrowings which the government has made from state banks and EPF. “We will support the move only if those who have deposited in banks and EPF beneficiaries are safeguarded.

United Republic Front MP Patali Champika Ranawaka is also expected to oppose it as he said the debt restructuring programme would be an earth quake. He told a briefing that the banking sector and the EPF would go into a crisis as a result of domestic restructuring.   

MP Dullas Alahapperuma said the stance on his group on the matter depends on what options the government is to choose when it comes to domestic restructuring. “Government has borrowed from EPF, ETF and even from state banks such as National Savings Bank. If the borrowings which the government had made are written off by a high percentage it will affect the banking sector. If the same strategy is followed and its dues to EPF are written off, the working people will fall into difficulty. We will have to oppose if banks and EPF are affected,” he said.   

• Government is yet to reveal what it is going to do with regard to this