Protest and black flags against Ranil

(May 29, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) An underworld figure is reportedly putting up black flags along Colombo- Katunayake road to mark protest against the European tour of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe who is slated to return today morning. ( More images Inside)

Meanwhile, a group of government supporters has organized a protest demonstration at the 18th mile post junction in Katunayake against the opposition leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe. According to sources, “the organizers of the protest include Deputy Aviation Minister, Sarath Gunarathne, and Minster Mervyn Silva.”

The European Union (EU) had informed Ranil Wickremesinghe that the government has hitherto not made a formal request to extend the GSP tax relief programme for Sri Lankan garments. The EU had stated that it would consider implementing a tax relief programme once a formal request was made by the government. The Opposition Leader was informed of this at a meeting between EU officials and wickremesinghe on May 26.

Wickremesinghe met the Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Institutional Relations and Communication Margot Wallström, the Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner and the Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson to appeal to extend the GSP+ scheme and help secure the direct employment of 100,000 and the indirect employment of 200,000 people.

At the meeting Wickrememsinghe was informed that Sri Lanka’s request could be deemed favourable with the other countries that must qualify under the 005 GSP+ ratifications. The request to extend the tax relief programme must be submitted before the end of October and the investigation shall be carried out in mid December.


Meanwhile, UNP Parliamentarians travelled in bullock carts on last Tuesday (27May) in protest against the Govt.’s unconscionable fuel price and electricity tariff hikes burdening the people more and more! This protest was organized to demonstrate that people cannot afford to travel by buses and trains, and the only mode of transport now available is the Bullock cart – going back to the Stone Age! After the demonstration to be staged opposite the Fort Railway station the protestors will continue their bullock cart ride round the city.
- Sri Lanka Guardian