Govt using arrests of young people to divert attention from economic woes: Namal

Colombo, July 11 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa alleged that the government was using arrests of young people and anti-crime operations to divert public attention from mounting economic difficulties and its failure to fulfil election promises.

Addressing an SLPP divisional meeting in Kotte on July 9, Rajapaksa claimed the government's policies had led to factory closures, job losses, a rising cost of living and declining investor confidence, while accusing it of targeting the younger generation through law enforcement operations.

He alleged that graduates who had been promised employment before the election were instead met with police action when they sought jobs after the government came to power.

Rajapaksa further claimed that small and medium-scale enterprises were struggling under rising taxes, high borrowing costs and increased production expenses, forcing many businesses to shut down. He also alleged that foreign investors were losing confidence in Sri Lanka's stock market and that the tourism industry was facing additional pressure without adequate government support.

Referring to the recent prison incident, Rajapaksa questioned the government's response, claiming the Justice Minister had learned about the incident only through Facebook and had remained unaware of developments for several hours.

He also criticised the government over rising electricity, fuel and water charges, alleging that the burden of economic mismanagement was being passed on to the public while Colombo had become one of the region's most expensive cities to live in.

Rajapaksa said the government had failed to deliver on the expectations of the public and urged it to provide relief to businesses, workers and the tourism sector instead of imposing further taxes.