UNP demands better economic management

• Wants clear fuel pricing structure, relief for pensioners and stronger law enforcement

By Uditha Jayasinghe
Expanding on its Budget 2015 expectations, the main Opposition yesterday insisted the Government should introduce a transparent price structure for fuel pricing and protect interest rates of pensioners.
United National Party (UNP) MP Eran Wickramaratne questioned the Government’s reasons for delaying much-needed price reduction to provide relief to the public, noting it was unethical to push lower prices ahead of crucial elections. He reiterated the party demand that relief given through the Budget should be substantial and sustainable to people.
“Given that global oil prices are reducing rapidly, we believe the Government has the capacity to reduce petrol prices by Rs. 50 and diesel by Rs. 15. When a UNP Government is formed, we will introduce a clear pricing structure so anyone can calculate the rationale behind it. When prices of essentials reduce, then the cost of living will automatically shrink as well,” he said.
The MP called on the Government to provide exceptional interest rates to pensioners stressing that under a UNP regime they would ensure retired professionals would earn Rs.3500 more for every Rs. 1 million deposited in a bank.
In terms of policies, he emphasised the UNP would promote the dignity of the public service and called on the Government to do the same without limiting itself to handouts through Budget allocations.
Wickramaratne recalled instances when members of the present ruling party tied public servants to trees and forced a teacher to kneel before a politician alleging that such instances would not take place under a UNP Government.
“The private sector has become a joke today. Under the UNP Government, top officials such as the Chief Justice, the Attorney General and Police Chief will be independent. The Army will be respected and not used for labourer work. Politicians who break the law will be punished under the law and that law will be equally applied to all,” he pledged.

UNP fact-finding mission attacked A group of opposition United National Party (UNP) lawmakers on a fact finding mission came under attack today from a mob when the MPs attempted to enter the premises of the Sri Lanka Port Authority Training College in Slave Island yesterday. A crowd gathered at the premises of the Port Authority Training College jeered the group of UNP MPs and obstructed them from entering the institution. UNP MP on the fact finding mission included Ajith P. Perera, R. Yogarajan, Ravi Karunanayaka and Nalin Bandara. The MPs told the local media that crowd hurled stones at them and two journalists among the group and damaged the MP Yogarajan’s vehicle. The UNP MPs visiting state institutions on fact finding missions came under attack from government supporters previously at the Mattala international airport, Hambantota port, Sapugaskanda oil refinery and the main Railway station at Maradana. However, they were warmly welcomed at Norochcholai coal power plant and National Zoological Gardens at Dehiwala.