'Mahinda Chintana' has failed to offer solutions - UNP
 

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Describing "Mahinda Chintana" as a fairytale, the UNP yesterday claimed that Premier Mahinda Rajapakse's manifesto had failed to offer solutions to the country's burning problems.

"It appears that this is only a set of thoughts. It is not a programme of action aimed at solving the country's main problems," UNP MP Kabir Hasheem told a press briefing yesterday at the Opposition Leaders' office.

He said a set of thoughts cannot be termed an economic programme. "We all have thoughts on many issues. But Premier Rajapakse must declare to the people how he is going to solve the country's main problems and what is his action on resolving them. For instance what is his economic policy ?," the MP asked.

Hasheem urged Premier Rajapakse to state clearly and directly his programme of action on the peace process and on the economy. "This is only a set of attractive words designed to mislead the people of this country. We urge people to understand the reality."

In contrast, Hasheem stressed that the "People's Agenda" presented by UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe contains an action plan to resolve the country's main problems and focuses on developing every sector of the socio-economy.

He said the UPFA gave the similar broken promises during the last General Election.

"The people of this country are living amid much difficulties. They are living under extreme poverty. There should be a limit to these false promises."

He noted that the UPFA had failed to fulfil the promises given to the farmers, youth, graduates etc. "Again, the same promises are being given to mislead the people. This manifesto does not have practical solutions to bring down the rising cost of living."

Hasheem urged Premier Rajapakse to reveal his stance on the peace process. "What is his policy ? What is his solution ? Is he for a federal solution or something else ?

Hasheem explained that although "Mahinda Chinthana" had given many promises, it has failed to explain how to raise money for implementing those programs. From where are they going to get money to implement this programme ?, he asked. Hambantota District MP Sajith Premadasa said the 'Siya Saviya' program to be launched by UNP would greatly benefit the low income group families than the Samurdhi benefits.

"The main objective of 'Siya Saviya' is to rescue the people from poverty and ensure for them a better future unlike other poverty alleviation programs like Samurdhi. We will also commence a banking system for the poor."

He said the UNP would launch a development drive in all the villages with the aim of upgrading agriculture, fisheries and small and medium industries.

He lamented that the Samurdhi programme has been politicised to a large extent adding that most of the benefits went to the Samurdhi officers instead of the recipients . "Most benefits are given to Samurdhi officers not to the beneficiaries and the whole programme is now politicised . We will change this and implement a depoliticised poverty alleviation program," the MP said.