'Group with vested interests trying to tarnish govt's image'

Since Sri Lanka has achieved significant economic development and growth within two years after ending the war, certain sections who are jealous about it are trying to create unnecessary problems to stall the country's progress and tarnish the government's image, Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said.

He was speaking after handing over a donation of surgical and other equipment to the Gonnagahahena hospital in Ahangama recently.

The Deputy Speaker said only a handful of people are conducting protest campaigns on made up issues while the majority of the population are leading peaceful lives attending to their daily routine of work.

Those conducting protest campaigns should realize that they are able to do so due to the peaceful conditions restored by the government.

"Two years ago they did not dare to do so fearing bomb explosions. Today the country is ruled by a ruler sympathetic to the hopes and aspirations of the people.

"Every avenue is open for workers or disgruntled elements to win their demands through discussion and negotiations.

Therefore he would request those restoring to protest campaigns to shelve petty aims and considerations and support the development of the country at a time when many other countries are grappling with an economic crisis.