'Sushma, a role model for Opposition Leader'

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Indian Opposition Leader Sushma Swaraj acts as a real diplomat and she is a good example to our Opposition Leader who visited the North just before the Geneva UNHRC sessions and said that the government has done nothing for the Northern people, Acting Media Minister and Acting Cabinet spokesman Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

He was addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing at the Government Information Department yesterday.

The acting minister Yapa said that the head of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation Ms. Sawaraj did not speak anything unnecessary and irrelevant. She behaved very diplomatically. She is a good role modal for Opposition Leaders.

Acting Minister Yapa thanked all state and private media for not confusing the public during the recent Tsunami warning declared in Sri Lanka and communicating the accurate information to the public.

He also thanked media for assisting to arrange transport facilities for the people during New Year festival.

Sri Lanka recorded the highest amount of investments (one billion US $) in 2011, the highest after 1977. There are no restrictions on investments or imports. "There is a significant increase (67 per cent) in tourists arrivals from Latin American and Caribbean countries", he said.

Answering questions posed by journalists, the acting minister pointed out that Sri Lanka will reply to any letter sent by the UNHRC.

The Armed Forces have the sole right to inform the public to be vigilant on certain elements that try to create instability in the North. Protecting people is their responsibility. Disciplinary inquiries are going on against all SLFP members who are allegedly involved in misconduct.