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.
|