UNP contradicts MR

24 September 2010 03:43 am - 39 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Contradicting the Statements of President Mahinda Rajapksa at the UN last evening, the UNP claims that poverty is yet to be significantly reduced in Sri Lanka and thus the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals is still out of reach.

“The Millennium Development Goals consider per capital income and the reduction of poverty. The present assessment of the President has been made based on the 15.2 per-cent figure obtained in 2006/07, however this figure did not take into account the massive bout of inflation experienced in the country soon thereafter and the poverty in the North and East,” UNP MP Dr. Harsha De Silva told the Daily Mirror earlier this morning.

He added that if these elements were considered the poverty numbers in Sri Lanka would likely be higher than those in the 2006/07 assessment.

“The reduction of poverty needs to be a household assessment. Because it is a select few that are obtaining high returns from investments at present. The reduction of the rate of malnutrition and the number of people living on less than 2 US$ a day would be a truer depiction of the situation and our path to development,” he added. (DS)

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Comments - 39

Babanis Friday, 24 September 2010 11:48 AM

Never mind what MR or the UNP says. As citizens living in Sri Lanka we can see for ourselves and judge whether poverty is reduced. What we see is poverty increased with the high cost of living.

Nilantha Friday, 24 September 2010 06:57 AM

Addition to Economic theories, Dr Harsha defines economic situations considering his political views.

Kishore Friday, 24 September 2010 07:13 AM

I dont know what measurements need to be applied..and always they do not project an acurate outlook, but I have traveled to almost 46 nations worldwise. Out of these when you compare Sri Lanka with thoes within the so called 3rd world I must say Sri Lanka is far ahead. Even if you travel to a remote cornet you see nice houses and people living in faily good comfort. It is not the case with most nations. I think all the goverments have done a lot and the present leadership is surly making one big effort.

Gonrala Friday, 24 September 2010 07:17 AM

In this country the UNTRUTH is shown as the Truth. Rulers of the Country always try to paint unrealistic picture of the economic development of the country..

Janaka Friday, 24 September 2010 07:52 AM

There is no wonder about what Harsha De Silva says. He would say something wrong even Sri Lanka would become the best in the world. These are the people with No heart.

Yehiya-Doha Friday, 24 September 2010 08:25 AM

Dr.Harsha,Wijedasa,Mangala & Laxman only professionals & trusted teamin UNP

Dil Friday, 24 September 2010 09:12 AM

Timmy u speak like u have not seen a beggar in Colombo?

chin Friday, 24 September 2010 09:21 AM

Anyone knows Dr Hasha De Silva and DR. Mervin Silva got the PHD from the same place?

When hearing his talks I suspect Dr. Mervin got better marks.

Bandula De Soysa Friday, 24 September 2010 11:10 AM

Good comment

thushara Friday, 24 September 2010 06:54 AM

critics should be poloticaly independent

chami Friday, 24 September 2010 12:10 PM

Are you sure what you are talking about

chami Friday, 24 September 2010 12:14 PM

Have you seen slums and shanties in and around colombo?

eddie Friday, 24 September 2010 01:12 PM

there are ghettos in america buddy. don't judge countries on their poorest citizens. there would be no good countries if that was your indicator mate.

Hari Friday, 24 September 2010 05:35 PM

I agree with Kishore

Jay Ranaweera Friday, 24 September 2010 07:45 PM

Yes Bandaraa, this man is making statements every now and then since comming to Parliament and tries to be an economist.He along with other foolish UNPers never see the good work carriedout by the Govt amidst a war due to their JEOLOUSY and HATRED!!!

this will reduce more and more VOTES as well as MPs.

Dr Olga Mendis Saturday, 25 September 2010 01:18 AM

Present President is doing a fairly good job.That is why he won with so many votes.PLease give him a few years more and then start complaining. At present what we read in the news , seems that Sri Lanka is improving, tourism is increasing, Poor are getting a better life. The UNP members do not seem happy with what they are doing= that is why so many have left their party.
Please give the present govt:a chance to recover after winning the 30 year old war which most of us did not expect the govt to win so soon. Stop finding fault and help the govt in what it is doing -for the sake of the country. and the people Tourism increasing is a very good sign that the world is happy with what our little country has achieved.
T hanks

Maheshi Saturday, 25 September 2010 01:54 AM

Looking at this statement by chin, no wonder the majority of the Sri Lankans are damn fools. That is why the people like Mervin Silva gets such an amount of preferential votes in the Parliamentary election.

Roshanga Wickremesin Friday, 24 September 2010 04:46 AM

Funny how Harsha can only critisise but not offer any contructive advice to government before they go for such international fora.

Lanka Silva Friday, 24 September 2010 04:00 AM

Well said Dr. Harsha!

Unfortunately your statement sometime back on the IMF Loan, was more leftist than market economic.
Keep on to your belief, never make this mistake of saying just to become politically popular.

Bandaraa. Friday, 24 September 2010 04:06 AM

This so called Harsha De Silva always see's the negative side of the picture.. He has been talking a lot through the media for a long time.but all his talk has not seen the positive side of the development in this country. Its no point criticizing all what is being done but he must objectively Analise what is happening and come out and recommend solutions . Be positive minded man.??????

billy Friday, 24 September 2010 04:09 AM

so according this guy, even UN is wrong since MR was just quoting un report!

suwimal Friday, 24 September 2010 04:34 AM

What? UN has no business to poke into our internal matters.

modawansa Friday, 24 September 2010 04:34 AM

The members of the paliament are above the powerty line.This is what was mentioned at the UN.

Justin Friday, 24 September 2010 04:42 AM

Hi Billy
Who can belive in reports prepared by CEB
Dr Harsa De silva is correct

Justin

Defender Friday, 24 September 2010 04:44 AM

SL has achieved most of MDGs than most of so called developed countries. It has the best ratings in the Asian region.

malkanthi Friday, 24 September 2010 04:45 AM

We too are above poverty line due to Brain Drain!

Taj Friday, 24 September 2010 04:46 AM

This is the same guy who predicted that the country would go into a recession because of the stock market performance!

malkanthi Friday, 24 September 2010 03:54 AM

Be glad that MR made a huge lope hole for criticism, but yet majority are blind folded.

Anver Friday, 24 September 2010 04:58 AM

MR is right. Poverty among politicians has become NON existent, it is only the working class which is poorer.

timmy Friday, 24 September 2010 05:19 AM

In the other news, UNP is also in poverty, till the UNP gains power.

This is hilarious, Sri Lanka is no longer a third world country, but these opposition politicians still try to show it as third world just to embarrass the country and the government.

Dave Friday, 24 September 2010 05:22 AM

Who in his right mind will ever think that MR would ever make a blunder like this?

gato Friday, 24 September 2010 05:32 AM

Dr.Harsha De Silva has done some research this is it "The reduction of the rate of malnutrition and the number of people living on less than 2 US$ a day" would be a truer depiction of the situation and our path to development.

David Friday, 24 September 2010 05:41 AM

All our minsters and MP's are saying our economy is fast improving.
But His Highness say in his speech need support of other developed countries to improve the economy.
So we can see the truth.

Nihal Amarasekera Friday, 24 September 2010 05:58 AM

Keep it up boys; true to form. Contradiction is the best form offence.

ajith Friday, 24 September 2010 06:31 AM

Harsha, the born critic in political Economics!!!!

thushara Friday, 24 September 2010 06:42 AM

Knowledgeable man (Harsha) but he is fully covered with a bad political mood. Better you make your valuable comments to the general public being an independent professional. the bitter truth is "MR is the best out of the rest presently "

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UNP contradicts MR

Comments - 39

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