We did agree but later decided not to sign

By Yohan Perera   

The previous government did agree on some points on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement with USA 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 yesterday.   

“We did discuss the MCC agreement with USA 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. 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.   
Former Minister Palitha Range Bandara who also participated in the press conference said UNP will take action against all those who sought nominations from Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) soon. “Some UNP members of the local bodies who joined SJB had returned to the UNP especially after the court decision to reject the injunction order which SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara sought against the suspension of its members from the UNP. “We will revamp the UNP working committee if needed,” he further said.   

CAPTION - UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam addressing the press conference with regard to the MCC agreement.

PIC BY Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
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Mr. Kariyawasam said the government should openly state that it will not sign the agreement if it is against it.