“Vote for the budget is a vote against future!”

(November,16, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Tissa Attanayake, UNP Gen. Secretary addressing a Media conference at the Opposition Leader’s Office today (16 Nov) said that this Budget is extremely crucial from the point of view of the people as well as of the Govt.
It is an indisputable fact that Sri Lanka is experiencing the worst economic crisis in its history. The beleaguered Rajapakse Govt. which is the architect for this dire situation owing to its inefficiency, incriminating corruption charges and colossal public money wastages is also facing the most perilous hurdle seeking every foul method to succeed at the Budget voting.

With this simple common knowledge that it is the Govt. that is responsible for making a hash of the war situation entailing unnecessary loss of lives, and the cause of the unbearable hardships of the people, can anybody with a conscience vote with the Govt.? He asked.

The JVP, who are also well known for miserably letting down its voters after elections hankering after self-gains aligning with the Govt. while deserting the pledges made to the people , seems to have reformed now, he said. At least now, they appear to be trying to be honest castigating the people- hostile Rajapakse budget 2008. But, will they demonstrate honest principles and integrity at the Budget voting time on 19th Nov.? He asked.

Dr. Ellawala Medananda and Athureliya Rathane Theros of the JHU who had an unsavoury experience (despite being high ranking members of the Buddhist clergy ) recently on grave charges of selling Benz car permits and Rupavahini licences, and making illegal pecuniary benefits using official position has alleged that the UNP is trying to buy over Govt. members. What else can the JHU do? It can only by such vacuous accusations the JHU avenge the UNP who were the chief accusers who brought these sordid activities of Dr. Medananda and his Party to the notice of the Authorities, he said.

The Budget, and the Govt.’s sordid games notwithstanding, the UNP will carry on its campaigns undeterred and undaunted to free the people from their disastrous plight driven into by this Rajapkse Bros’ self nourishing and country impoverishing family rule.The UNP is therefore starting a National petition campaign on the 18th Nov. at Kaduwela against the Govt. whereby 5 lakhs signatures are expected to be collected, he added.