Finance Deputy Minister wants debate with Bandula on TV

COLOMBO: Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has challenged UNP Parliamentarian and former Finance Deputy Minister Bandula Gunawardena for a public debate over his claims that the UPFA government is incapable of finding solutions to the economic problems confronted by the people.

Siyambalapitiya has issued this challenge in a letter addressed to Gunawardena, a copy of which has been released to the press.

Siyambalapitiya said in his letter that his attention was drawn to a report in the Divaina of May 30 regarding a statement made by Gunawardena at a press conference held at the Opposition leader's office.

According to the report Gunawardena has claimed that the UPFA government was incapable of finding solutions to the economic problems confronted by the people.

As Deputy Finance Minister he has commented on the inaccuracy of statements made by Gunawardena about the country's economy at various times in the past.

Since the recent statement made by Gunawardena published in the Divaina would mislead the public if it was not corrected by him (Siyambalapitiya) he in his capacity as Deputy Finance Minister and member of a responsible government would invite Gunawardena for a public debate over a reputed electronic media on the subject of the country's economy to clear any problems or suspicions about it. Siyambalapitiya said he expected an early response from Gunawardena to his request.