UPFA leaders meet

Leaders of constituent parties of the United People's Freedom Alliance met yesterday at Prime Minister's office to discuss several current issues. Several ministers were also present on the invitation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse.

The leaders focused their attention on Sathosa Retail Limited. Trade Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle stressed that urgent action should be taken to avert a further crisis at Sathosa, many of whose retail stores are being closed down.

The Minister said there were two options: Inject capital to the Sathosa consortium or take Sathosa Retail over to the Government. He said Cabinet approval would be needed for such moves.

Power and Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha highlighted the need to take steps to reduce fuel consumption in the face of escalating fuel prices. It was suggested that a report in this regard be prepared by the secretaries of the Treasury, Transport and Power and Energy.

MP Wimal Weerawansa expressed the view that there should be a mechanism to ensure the implementation of the UPFA manifesto.

Ways of increasing Government revenue were also discussed.

Transport woes were also discussed, Transport Minister Felix Perera disclosed that the Ministry would be deploying three railbuses by April 28. The next meeting will be held on April 26.