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by Manjula Fernando

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa appealed to all housewives yesterday to join in a unified protest scheduled for February 18 against the rising cost of living.

"We want to carry the message to the government that the working class as well as all ordinary people have been affected by the sky-rocketing cost of living and the time has come for the Government to do something about it," he said at a media briefing at the Opposition Leader's Office yestrday.

"The housewives are the most affected by this issue. Therefore, we want them to play a major role in our protest campaign," he added.

The protest themed 'Jana Gosha' which calls upon all citizens to make a noice using anything from car horns, pots and pans, bicycle bells etc. at 12.31 pm on February 18, has been organised by the Alliance for the Protection of National Assets and Public Rights comprising opposition parties and trade unions.

This will be follwed by a one-day token strike which expects participation of all public and private sector workers against the privatisation move, rising cost of living, public sector salaries, cut down on Samurdhi allowance during the latter part of next month.

The Lanka Sama Samaja Party representative Prof. Tissa Vitharana at the Press conference said while the government ensures tax incentives to the rich business community, the general masses are left to shoulder the burden.

He said the decision to effect the Value Added Tax to the retail market from July next year was outrageous and a betrayal of consumer rights.

The government has ceased the price control on pharmaceuticals and their control over petrol, diesel and kerosene is to be relaxed soon. We hope our effort will be effective in carrying a clear message to the government.

The Opposition Leader also condemned the incident which occurred in front of the Education Ministry on Wednesday where a group of protesting volunteer teachers were attacked by the Police when they attempted to storm the premises demanding a meeting with the Minister.

Rajapaksa said officials should resolve problems through discussions not violence. 

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