Dinesh wants pledge from MPs:
No more liquor permits
An undertaking should be elicited from all candidates contesting the
April 8 Parliamentary Election that they would not permit more liquor
outlets to be opened in their areas, MEP leader and Urban Development
and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said yesterday.
Addressing the Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya Maharagama and
Pannipitiya at the Divisional Secretariat Maharagama, he said the
self-sufficient and rich indigenous economy was turned upside down by
the colonial rule.
“From time immemorial the freedom of our people was defended by our
national heroes whose blood, sweat and toil were given to protect our
country. But during the colonial period, the country was gradually
introduced to the habit of alcohol making people weak,” he said.
“President Mahinda Rajapaksa introduced the Mathata Thitha policy of
discouraging the alcohol habit. We should get every candidate contesting
the Parliamentary Election to give a promise that they will not allow
any new wine shops or places where alcohol is served to be opened,” he
said.
“During my career as a Parliamentarian I have not permitted any
alcohol outlets to be opened in the electorate I represent,” the
Minister said.
The Maha Sangha always worked to preserve our national tradition and
the freedom of our people.
We have once again certain western powers that helped the separatist
terrorists trying to meddle in the internal affairs of our country. It
would be the main responsibility of the next Parliament to defeat all
such efforts,” he said. (WN) |