Government likened to Somali pirates- UNP

The UNP yesterday likened the SLFP-led UPFA government to pirates operating off the coast of Somalia. The UNP alleged that the government was undermining the economy, the way Somali pirates were threatening shipping lines much to the discontent of the global community. UNP spokesman, Galle District MP Gayantha Karunatilleke yesterday told that the government had been mercilessly increasing the tax burden on those struggling to make ends meet,
while squandering public funds on various image building exercises. Karunatilleke said that the UPFA style of governing the country could be only compared with the actions of Somali pirates.

 Since the conclusion of the conflict in May 2009, the government had launched a series of mega projects, which the country couldn’t afford instead of initiating a people-friendly post war development programme. Unlike Somali pirates who preyed on ships belonging to other nations, President Rajapaksa’s regime targeted those living here, Karunatilleke alleged. Responding to allegations that the UNP hadn’t been appreciative of President Rajapaksa giving leadership to war against terror, Karunatilleke said people were still experiencing immense difficulties due to short-sighted policies of the government.

The UNPer alleged that due to the absence of an effective fuel-pricing mechanism, people had been deprived of the advantage of the dip in international market prices. The MP said that forthcoming electricity and bus fare increases would trample those surviving on one or two meals a day. The government was in a world of its own, the MP said. Could there be anything as foolish as building new international airport, proposing a new domestic airport and a whole lot of costly as well as extravagant projects, whereas the vast majority of people were simply asking for lessening the cost of living.