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Rathana Thera says his dreams shattered

7 June 2017 10:27 pm - 19     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera today said his dreams to get good and valuable things done from the present government were shattered and he is now left with only one dream, and that is to prevent the government from at least making any harmful decisions.

The Thera expressed these views during a news conference organised by the National Council of Sri Lanka (NCSL) in Colombo over the detrimental conditions of the proposed China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (CSLFTA).

“As of this moment, my hope is not to get good things done from this government. Those dreams of ours had been shattered. Now our dream is to prevent the government from making detrimental moves. After electing the government into power, we know that not only the Cabinet but we too have a responsibility to prevent detrimental moves from taking place,” he said.

The Thera said he was disappointed that the current trade agreements had been stemmed from the corrupted hearts of individuals and some officials with vested interests.

Quoting a letter issued by the Prime Minister’s Office over the trade agreement, the NCSL said the Cabinet Committee on Economic Management had agreed to phase out and remove the CESS over a period of five years since the implementation of the trade agreement with China.

“Removal of CESS is a major blow to the local industries. This levy was introduced to protect our industries and products from foreign imports. We can’t simple remove it,” the prelate said.

He said a 20-member delegation of the Council met President Sirisena in this regard on Friday and the President had assured not to sign any harmful agreement.

“The President also agreed to immediately respond to our request made to establish a ‘National Policy and Planning Commission’ to make decisions about the foreign trade agreements. This Commission should consist of two legislatures, one with the representation of political authorities including MPs and another with the input of relevant ministry secretaries, experts in the fields and academics. By a joint Council, we expect to prevent vested and arbitrary actions of individuals,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

Video by Susantha

Pics by Kushan Pathiraja


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  Comments - 19

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  • kolitha Thursday, 08 June 2017 10:25 AM

    Does he know what Buddhism is ..?

    saroj Friday, 09 June 2017 10:19 AM

    please resign from politics and spread the word of buddha

    AA Thursday, 08 June 2017 11:07 PM

    Can you dream as a Buddhist priest?

    ceylon Thursday, 08 June 2017 08:00 PM

    what use of telling to the people .you tell it to president. via DM Android App

    ceylon Thursday, 08 June 2017 07:10 PM

    your main dream allready realised.without working living with peoples free money and free food. via DM Android App

    ceylon Thursday, 08 June 2017 12:35 PM

    from a puppet president whats more can xpect . via DM Android App

    Kumar (gulf) Thursday, 08 June 2017 11:34 AM

    You have to be balance, cannot go in to extremes.

    chandra Thursday, 08 June 2017 11:25 AM

    Very good comment.

    RW Thursday, 08 June 2017 10:56 AM

    paninayi Yanne via DM iOS App

    Praba Thursday, 08 June 2017 10:34 AM

    Our dreams were shattered long time back Ven Sir.

    Ranjitdea Thursday, 08 June 2017 04:03 AM

    Should a Buddhist monk be talking about trade agreements, instead of damma

    DREAMS Thursday, 08 June 2017 10:19 AM

    Happy talk, keep talking happy talk, -- Talk about things you'd like to do -- You gotta have a dream, -- if you don't have a dream, -- How you gonna have a dream come true? - Lyrics from the song in South Pacific.

    Senarath Thursday, 08 June 2017 10:02 AM

    We knew that you were dreaming and what would happen to the country. According to you you started the war against LTTE and eradicated terrorism. Now why can't you implement the promises you had given during the prsidentail election? Don't try to say that you had not involved with the betrayers. You and Champika also played a major role to defeat the previous government. As a result of that now country is in Danger again.

    Sambo Thursday, 08 June 2017 09:03 AM

    Not only the Ther's dreams but the dreams of all those who voted the government into power have lost their dreams. Look at the speeches made by the health minister. there are a thousand and one burning problems but his only problem is tobacco and alcohol. This is not going to take the country anywhere.

    ravin Thursday, 08 June 2017 08:36 AM

    Of course. Any buddha putra's dreams must be attain nirvana.

    citizen Thursday, 08 June 2017 07:46 AM

    just because Ghanasara is hiding thats doesnt mean hes not responsible for whats happening though prabakaran was hiding under a bunker hes people under his instructions did all the atrocities. via DM Android App

    Kadiya Thursday, 08 June 2017 07:23 AM

    They are all living in dreams!

    chandra Thursday, 08 June 2017 06:31 AM

    So sorry Ven Rathana. Our all dreams shattered long time ago via DM Android App

    AjithZ Thursday, 08 June 2017 06:02 AM

    We too are disappointed the way things are being done. Feel sorry for the president though. He has to retain power in parliament with the assistant of some of the crooks people have elected. We too are to be blamed.


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