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| We would have faced similar situation to US if we implemented Ranil's Regaining Sri Lanka -Maithri |
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(Lanka-e-News, 01.April.2009, 8.00 AM) Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena says that Sri Lanka applied for a loan from International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a response to its request from the member countries to apply for loans if necessary before the economic crisis.
He expressed these views addressing a election propaganda press briefing held in Mahaweli Center today (31).
The Minister said that the state had not agreed to any condition to obtain this loan despite whatever the Opposition accused. The Minister added that Sri Lanka could stand fearlessly before the global economic crisis thanks to the Mahinda Chinthana policy.
Minister Sirisena said that Sri Lanka would have faced similar situation to US if we implemented Regaining Sri Lanka programme set forth by Ranil Wickramasinghe.
Minister Dinesh Gunawardhana said that the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) safeguarded the pension of the public servants that the United National Party (UNP) government was to abolish.
The UNP that is now talking about good governance sacked many public servants in political revenge, said Minister Gunawardhana adding that no one was dismissed after Mahinda Rajapakse elected as the President. In addition, many job opportunities were created anew, he said.
Minister G. L. Peiris pointed out that there was no problem in obtaining loans as a nation. Not only from IMF, credit is sought from other countries as well. China directly funded several projects like Moragahakanda. Iran assisted to get rid of the fuel crisis, said Minister Peiris.
When a journalist asked to comment on the statement of Wimal Weerawansa that diplomatic relations with Norway should be severed, Minister Sirisena said that Weerawansa could express party views although the parties of the Alliance have united regarding ethnic problem.
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Lanka-e-News journalist pointed out that Minister G. L. Peiris, a member of the cabinet of Ranil Wickramasinghe governemnt, then upheld 'Regaining Sri Lanka' programme although Ministers Sirisena and Gunawardhana now shun it. Lanka-e-News asked who was telling truth. Minister Peiris said in response that no one needed to lie and it was the government policy then. However, he said that slashing welfare programmes and employment opportunities in public sector could not be approved.
While Minister Sirisena said that the economic adviser of the UNP was a foreigner, Minister Gunawardhana argued that people rejected 'Regaining Sri Lanka' in 2004. |
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