Getting wet in the rain on paddy fields would not wash the sins of robbing Central Bank - Minister Johnston

Theatrics such as getting wet in the rain on paddy fields would not help washing away the sins of robbing the Central Bank committed by those now in the opposition, Chief Government Whip Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said.  

Addressing a ceremony to mark the launch of developing the Palapathwela-Galewela road in Matale under the 100,000 km road development project of the Vistas of Splendour and Prosperity, Minister Fernando said that theatrics such as the opposition leader going to paddy fields amidst rains to speak to farmers would not exonerate him of his responsibility in the Treasury bond scam.  

The country’s economy had been ruined by those now in the opposition by upholding the Yahapalana government to rob the Central Bank. People will never forget or forgive them for the crime they committed. Despite the pandemic we did not let the economy collapse. The economy is safe because of the simple tax system and policies of this government.  

We tell people with responsibility that we would complete the development process we have started. There are some temporary problems such as the shortage of some essential items. 

That shortage has been created by the black marketeers to profit from the pandemic. Soon this situation will change.  The Minister said that 670 roads in the Matale District have been ear-marked for the development. 
The Palapathwela-Galewela road to be widened and developed would be completed in 12 months. Under the project 30.75 km would be developed at a cost of Rs 3,552 millions. “Not a single road had been developed during the five years of the Yahapalana government. They promised to construct a Central expressway to Kandy but they did not do that. 

They promised to build an expressway to Dambulla but could not do so. Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon asked me to develop this road.  

 Minister of Public Service Provincial Councils and Local Government, Janaka Bandara Tennakoon and political leaders of the Matale District were present on the occasion.