Govt condemns Opposition statement
Ishara MUDUGAMUWA and Aravinda HETTIARACHCHI
The government yesterday condemned Opposition Leader Ranil
Wickremesinghe�s statement that the government was indirectly and
directly killing the people through taxation.
Ministers said that the United National Party regime brutally killed
thousands of youths during the 1988 - 90 period and the people still
remember the gloomy era when despotism reigned.
�The country is aware how UNP led governments harassed the public
imposing various taxes to cover their unwanted expenses,� the ministers
said.
Scientific Affairs Senior Minister Prof Tissa Vitarana said the death
of a fisherman in Chilaw does not reflect the general situation in the
country.
�An unfortunate incident occurred in Chilaw this week. The Opposition
leader knows how it happened. This incident doesn't reflect the general
situation of the country. The government cannot be responsible for this
type of incident. However, the government will conduct an investigation
into this death,� he said.
Prof Vitarana said the Opposition Leader is trying to give a wrong
impression to the world.
Food and Nutrition Senior Minister P Dayaratne said that it was wrong
to point a finger towards the government regarding the Chilaw incident.
Dayaratne said previous governments also experienced this type of
incident.
Cooperatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said every
citizen has the right to protest. �Yet protesting armed with swords and
clubs cannot be allowed. The UNP and the JVP are directly inciting
innocent people into illegal protests,� he said.
�We condemn the Chilaw incident. Yet using deaths for political
advantage is dangerous,� Fernando said. |
