Two factions in UNP trying to gain political capital out of COVID-19 epidemic: PM

23 March 2020 01:58 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Issuing a statement, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that the two factions in the UNP are vying with one another to make political capital out of the Coronavirus epidemic. He said the entire country witnessed the manner in which former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa tried to sabotage the anti-Coronavirus campaign by giving encouragement to the Sri Lankan expatriate workers who made a commotion at the airport refusing to be quarantined. "Because they failed to cut off funding for the new government using their majority Parliament, an attempt is now being made to achive that result by concocting legal arguments about the financial powers vested in the President at a time when Parliament has been dissolved. On the day that a countrywide curfew was declared to prevent the spread of Coronavirus – Friday the 20th March 2020 – UNP Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe issued a media release stating that the previous government led by him had not passed a Budget for 2020 but that they had passed only a Vote on Account which would last till the 30th April 2020. He contends that therefore, after the 30th of April 2020, the present government would not have the legal right to allocate funds for any purpose whatsoever. Former opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has also been repeatedly making the same assertion via the social media," Mr. Rajapaksa said. Under Article 150(3) of the Constitution, he said the President is vested with the power to allocate funds from the Consolidated Fund to maintain government services after Parliament has been dissolved. "Hence the public should not entertain any fears about the availability of funds for the anti-Coronavirus campaign and to maitain other government services," he said.

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Comments - 15

Jaya Monday, 23 March 2020 04:39 PM

No need to gain political advantage. You are given all the support to sell SL and become rich as you wish. Hope you and your family will understand life one day.

power hunger go home Monday, 23 March 2020 04:50 PM

shut up.. people are in critical situation ,, But you talk politics at this situation.,, people are suffering even without effort one time food in the country. your age is 80... just go and rest. Filling pocket is enough from china and other projects. Pls take rest sir

Hubert Monday, 23 March 2020 05:03 PM

We need our money

janaka Monday, 23 March 2020 05:05 PM

Don't bull shit , you are not of your mind

Metta Monday, 23 March 2020 05:06 PM

This time trend is for SJB you guys are going to loose including RW.It is high time for the drastic political change in this country

Citizen Silva Monday, 23 March 2020 05:09 PM

Oh come on PM be truthful and you dont play politics. The Opposition was ready to support the vote for genuine expenses. They Only refused to agree to increase the debt ceiling and at that time what they said was right.

Hungry Monday, 23 March 2020 06:00 PM

Mr Rajapakse don't play to the Gallery. Can you utilize some of the money from the "Save the Hambantota Fund" to support the poor of this country who is suffering

Ranjith Monday, 23 March 2020 06:00 PM

There was no rush for the elections current parliament term were upto August 2020 you rushed and dissolved parliamant for your benefit now don't blame the opposition

Borat Monday, 23 March 2020 06:03 PM

Stirring the pot . Mr pol pot

Roshan Musa Monday, 23 March 2020 06:05 PM

Boss dont take Sajith seriously, infact No body will perhaps except for kilee, Harin and Harsha. But give some thoughts to what Ranil has said. Just explore it before putting the country to another mess. We just passed the ukussa storm with 5 years of agony

vince Monday, 23 March 2020 06:08 PM

as if he would not!

Guilty Monday, 23 March 2020 06:22 PM

They are repeating what you all did!!

Sugath Monday, 23 March 2020 06:23 PM

Just shut up without talking nonsense as usual, your family is inept in controlling this disease and keep borrowing money from China while talking nonsense.

wash hands Monday, 23 March 2020 07:25 PM

This is not the time to talk about the UNP. People returned you to power because you.promised to give them security.

Ranjit de silva Tuesday, 24 March 2020 07:50 AM

You have lied right through out your life and still keeping on lying. Where will you end up?

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Two factions in UNP trying to gain political capital out of COVID-19 epidemic: PM

Comments - 15

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