UNP ADVISES PUBLIC TO USE VOTES AGAINST ‘CORRUPT’ GOVERNMENT

Government sector workers have been the most burdened and misled group in Sri Lanka especially during the elections as they are the worst affected by the rise of cost of living with no increases in their salaries, UNP General Secretary MP Tissa Attanayake stated.

Govt changing election in 2014 - Ranil

UNP leader Ranil Wickramasinghe says that in 2014 they are going to build a new Sri Lanka with an election that changes the Govt.Mr. Wickramasinghe made this comment while speaking at the UNP 67th Anniversary ceremony held yesterday (06) at the party HQ Sirikotha.Pointing out that the party in 67 years old ad that he is now 60, Mr. Wickramasinghe said that he will be giving the opportunity of taking the party forward to the strong youth.

Rajapaksa stolen more than Mubarak - Mangala

UNP Communications Chief MP Mangala Samaraweera says that although the Hosni Mubarak regime in Egypt had stole 2.5 Billion USD of state money in 30 years, the Rajapaksa regime has stolen at least 3.5 Billion USD of state money within 7 years.Mr. Samaraweera made this remark at a media meeting held today (05) at the Rajagiriya National plantation workers union hall.

Victory is near: UNP’s 67th anniversary theme, with youth to the fore

The 67th Anniversary of the UNP will be celebrated at Sirikotha tomorrow under the theme, ‘Jaya Langai’ (Victory Is Near).UNP MP Harin Fernando said that the younger generation would be given pride of place at the anniversary celebrations as the Rajapaksa government had duped them by dangling programmes such as the ‘Tharunayata Hetak’, which was purely a political movement to promote the SLFP.

Although elections were held, Rajapaksa still a dictator -Karu

Gampaha district UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya says that just because elections are held in the country, it does not mean that the country is going on a democratic path.Pointing out how the elections conducted by Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe have been criticized by the international community, Mr. Jayasuriya says that the Rajapaksa Govt has taken examples from the Zimbabwe elections.

Won’t take advantage of Pillay’s statement: UNP

The UNP today said it was disappointed and displeased over the statement made by UN Human Right High Commissioner on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, but assured it would not use the statement for political advantage.

Dictatorship can’t be measured by elections - UNP

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) today said holding elections regularly did not mean that a country’s ruler was not a dictator.“There are dictators who hold elections regularly. It is the manner, in which they hold elections that determine whether they are dictators,” UNP MP Harin Fernando told a news conference.

Mangala speaks of Govt's double face on Pillai's visit

UNP communications chief MP Mangala Samaraweera says that the Rajapaksa regime is trying to depict international human rights as instruments of oppression used by the west to control developing countries, thee Govt itself is using the violation of such rights to oppress and control its own subjects inside the country as it was seen in Weliweriya and Grandpass.

UNP calls for Independent Police Commission

The United National Party today said the Police Department could not be streamlined and depoliticized just by bringing it under the purview of a new ministry.The UNP said for this to happen it was essential to set up the Independent Police Commission.

I like to think the old Mahinda is dormant within him

 One time government strongman and a man who was considered one of the most powerful Ministers during the tenure of the Former President, and now one of the current regime’s most vociferous critics, speaks to Daily Mirror on the current regime, the alternative he proposes, the fallacy of the 'computer jilmart' and President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his friend.

UNP Shows the way to be free from Pillay

UNP says that if the Govt objects to re-enact the 17th constitutional amendment,it means that the Govt themselves have proved the statement made by the UN human rights high commissioner Ms. Navi Pillay that Sri Lanka is walking towards dictatorial regime.

COPING with COPE : a message of hope

Quintessential banker (former) and silent activist, I have observed from afar Eran Wickramaratne for his silent pursuit of a brand of politics that is appealing to the intellectual and petit bourgeois and inspirational to the working class.

Norochcholai Power Project cost of US$ 268 mn. Re-negotiated for US$ 568 mn. – Ravi K

Spare parts worth Rs.2.3 billion imported for Kerawalapitiya Power Plant
*Krrish Towers down to 71 floors from original 91
The Norochcholai Power Plant contract which was finalized at a cost of US$ 268 million during the last stages of President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s rule, had been re-negotiated within a year after she had left office by the Rajapaksa regime for US$ 568 million, an Opposition legislator charged yesterday.

Will tell everything on 31st - Pillai tells Ranil

UNP delegates including the party leader Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe met the UN High commissioner for human rights Ms. Navi Pillai today to discuss the steps that should be taken in order to re-instate democracy in Sri Lanka.

Sajith slams Navi Pillai

Accusing the Govt for inviting the UN High commissioner for human rights Ms. Navi Pillai to Sri Lanka, UNP MP Sajith Premadasa says that Ms. Pillai is a person who kept sleeping while the LTTE organization was spreading daylight human rights violations all around.

Opposition, Civil Society launch Samagi Balavegaya * Warn of massive protests

Leaders of political parties, religious and civil rights organisations place their signatures to an agreement on the launching of Samagi Balavegaya aimed at forcing the Rajapaksa government to restore democracy, the rule of law, respect people’s basic rights and end the rampant corruption and abuse of power, which has resulted in the cost of living spiralling to unprecedented levels.

The United National Party position in the Select Committee of Parliament to Recommend and Report on Political and Constitutional Measures to Empower the People of Sri Lanka to Live as One Nation

The Hon. Leader of the Opposition is currently out of the country and a comprehensive statement will be issued by him on the United National Party position regarding the Select Committee of Parliament to Recommend and Report on Political and Constitutional Measures to Empower the People of Sri Lanka to Live as One Nation.

UNP says it was forced to call for Int’l probes

The UNP said yesterday that it was forced to call for international inquiries into the recent Weliweriya killings and state sponsored terrorism against its very own citizens, because nothing would come out of local investigations.

The 10 basic objectives of Samagi Agreement

The Conventional public agreement (Samagi givisuma) bearing 10 fundamental policies of the Samagi movement, which was created with the collaboration of the Opposition political parties along with the UNP and about 80 civil organizations, will be signed today (22) at 2.00pm, at the Colombo public library auditorium.

PC Polls: Opposition has lost faith in the whole process – Karu J

Blatant violation of election laws by the government in the run up to the Northern, Central and North-Western Provincial Council Elections, had resulted in the Opposition losing faith in the whole process, Senior UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya said yesterday.

UNP: What’s govt. doing to curb election law violations?

Chief Opposition Whip MP John Amaratunga told Parliament yesterday that relatives of ministers and other ruling party politicians were violating the election laws by abusing public property including vehicles and demanded to know what action the government had taken to put an end to those illegal practices.

Colombo south harbour not Govt's

UNP emphasizes that the new terminal of the Colombo port does not belong to Sri Lanka and that it belongs to China.UNP General Secretary MP Tissa Attenayake said that although the "Abiman thota" terminal was opened with a magnificent ceremony with a free cultural show,the terminal does not belong to Sri Lanka, but China.

Weliweriya, Gandpass attacks: Evidence being destroyed – UNP

Hand-picked army and police officers have been contracted to carry out attacks on the Opposition, the UNP said yesterday.Matara District UNP parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera, addressing a news conference in Colombo, said that a select group of army personnel had been used to crush a recent protest by Weliweriya villagers who were asking for clean water.

Karu, Sajith likely to be given positions after PC Polls

UNP to pardon all dissidents who apologize for violating party discipline
With most former UNP dissidents re-entering the party fold, Messrs. Karu Jayasuriya and Sajith Premadasa are likely to be given positions after the conclusion of the upcoming Northern, Central and North Western Provincial Council Elections, senior UNP sources indicated yesterday.

UNP calls on the government to listen to the people

United National Party (UNP) Gampaha District parliamentarian Ruwan Wijewardena has called on the government to listen to the people.Mr.Wijewardena said in parliament that the government should listen to the people and address the issues faced by them.

Rosy against TNA winning NPC

Commenting on ongoing PC elections, UNP Colombo district MP Rosy Senanayake who most recently hit front pages calling for justice in female representations, had turned against the North East Tamils being represented by the Tamil National Alliance, as quoted in "The Nation" news paper past Sunday.

NPC polls: UNP alleges military intelligence targets candidates

The UNP candidates contesting the upcoming Northern Provincial Council Poll have complained to the Elections Commissioner and Police of harassment by Defence Ministry intelligence officers.Senior UNP MP, Ravi Karunanayake addressing a press conference in Colombo yesterday, said that the UNP candidates in their complaints to the Polls Chief and Police had stated that the intelligence officers questioned them on their movements and objective of contesting the election.

Government selling land and sea to foreigners - Ravi K.

UNP parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake charged today that the government was selling every inch of land to foreigners according to its whims and fancies and said even the sea was being sold to China.“The government is going to sell a 568-acre sea area to China through the ports authority. It is expected to spend 182 billion to fill the sea bed to develop a city when there is enough land in Colombo. Who is doing this for what reason when the people in Weliweriya are fighting for drinking water?

Dayasiri failed to realise politics is an unhurried journey - Ranil

Politics is an unhurried journey where one should move with prudence and patience. But, Dayasiri Jayasekera failed to realise this truth, UNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament yesterday.Making a special statement, the Opposition Leader, quoting Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thích Nhit Hanh said, "We all have only a little time on earth and we should move slowly. Dayasiri failed to realise this."

Defence Ministry involvement in Weliweriya water crisis uncalled for - UNP * Rejects Military Tribunal, demands Supreme Court inquiry

Since the Defence Ministry had been involved in quelling last week’s demonstration, in Weliweriya, against the contamination of ground water, it would be absurd for a Military Tribunal to inquire into the incident, which left three young persons dead and 60 injured, the UNP said yesterday.

Rajapaksa government is most barbaric administration in the world-UNP

UNP says that the Rajapaksa regime who replied the innocent civilians who begged for drinkable water, by bullets, has proven by their action that it is the most brutal and low life Govt in the world history. This was mentioned in a media statement issued by the secretary of the UNP MP Tissa Attanayake condemning the callus response of the Rajapaksa Govt to the Rathupaswala people's protest.

The Special Statement made in Parliament by Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Leader of the Opposition, on 07.08.2013

Hon. Speaker,
I thank you for giving me an opportunity to make a special statement in this House today.I will start this speech with an excerpt of the first stanza in ‘Yamaka Vagga’ of Dammapada:
Manopubbangama dhamma - manosettha manomaya
Manasa che padutthena - bhasati va karoti va
Tato nam dukkamanveti - chakkamva vahato padam

SL has a betting govt. and gambling economy – UNP

UNP National List MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament on Wednesday that Sri Lanka had a betting government and a gambling economy.Dr. De Silva, participating in the debate on the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance, relating to import duties, said that the director of the world’s leading casino industry had come to Sri Lanka and met state officials.

UNP questions why national anthem was not played

UNP Parliamentarian Ajith P. Perera on Tuesday demanded to know from why the national anthem had not been played when the Colombo South Port was declared open.MP Perera, participating in the debate on two Orders under the Special Commodity Act (Nos. 1 and 2), said the new terminal and breakwater had been declared open on Monday but the protocol of playing the national anthem had been overlooked.

GOVT DEBT WILL EVEN BURDEN CHILDREN BORN IN 2050 -TISSA

The UNP today said that the recent incidents involving the sons of Ministers clearly display the extent of the decline in the country’s law and that the “law of the jungle” is reigning over the rule of law. They are different from what happens to normal citizens as they are not happen suddenly and are different to daily occurrences, UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake said.

Life threatening attack on Malaka indicates true state of the country -Tissa Attanayake

When a Minister’s son had been bashed up in broad daylight, resulting in him being admitted to the intensive care unit, the safety of lesser mortals could only be left to one’s imagination, the UNP said yesterday.UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake, addressing a news conference in Colombo, said that according to the tough talking Public Relations Minister, Mervyn Silva, a gang of 12 had assaulted his son, Malaka, at the Odel Car Park in Colombo 7 on Monday and also attempted to abduct him.

Sajith claims he suffered much more than Dayasiri, but won’t quit

UNP MP Sajith Premadasa helps an old mother wearing a spectacle during an eye-clinic held at Tissamaharama electorate on Saturday (27),Close on the heels of Kurunegala District UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera’s cross over to the SLFP, UNP MP Sajith Premadasa has launched a scathing attack on the party’s leadership.

COPING with COPE : a message of hope Eran Wickramaratne in an exclusive interview

Quintessential banker (former) and silent activist, I have observed from afar Eran Wickramaratne for his silent pursuit of a brand of politics that is appealing to the intellectual and petit bourgeois and inspirational to the working class. The few debates we have been privy to on mass media are succinct, to the point and devoid of clouding of issues. He appears to have a vision and a touch of professionalism rarely seen on the Diyawanna.

Dayasiri’s three-year attempt to join govt. has succeeded - John

Former UNP dissident MP, Dayasiri Jayasekera, after making many attempts to join the government, over the last three years, had finally succeeded, the UNP said yesterday.Chief Opposition Whip John Ameratunga, addressing a press conference in Colombo, said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had kept Jayasekera waiting for three long years and finally decided to give him SLFP membership

Now, military has entered PC polls campaign – Kiriella

Over four years after the war had ended people expected a return to normalcy, but the military had taken over all walks of life, with soldiers now being forced to do the political work of the Rajapaksa regime, the UNP said yesterday.

Harin says Dayasiri committed political Hara-Kiri

UNP MP Harin Fernando yesterday said that his erstwhile colleague Dayasiri Jayasekera had committed political Hara-kiri by resigning from the MP post to contest the forthcoming North Western Provincial Council on the ruling party ticket.

Dilution of 13A would cost govt. its 2/3 majority, warns UNP

The government would lose its two thirds majority in Parliament, if it dared to dilute the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, the UNP predicted yesterday.Colombo District UNP Chairman and MP Ravi Karunanayake said that the Rajapaksa regime was like a cornered tiger with no teeth left to fight.

UNP begins selecting candidates...

The United National Party will today begin the process of selecting candidates for the forthcoming Northern, North-Western and Central Provincial Council polls.Party General Secretary Tissa Attanayake told The Island they would begin by first considering the names that had been forwarded from district level.

SLFP a labour room, where delinquents are born – Sajith

UNP Hambantota District MP Sajith Premadasa handing over documents pertaining to a donation he made to Ven. Rotumba Nandarama, Chief Incumbent of the Paramadhammanivesa Piriven Vihara, Boralesgamuwa on Sunday. UNP Colombo District MP Rosy Senanayake, Western Provincial Council Member and Kesbewa UNP organizer Niroshan Padukka look on.

Code of ethics needed for Minister sons - Harshana

Western provincial council UNP member Harshana Rajakaruna says that although the Govt trying to impose a code of ethics upon journalists, what is really necessary is a code of ethics to the Govt politicians and their sons.Expressing these views at a media meeting held today, Mr. Rajakaruna said that the only crime journalists have done is revealing the misdeeds of these Govt politicians.

Ranil urges govt. to be in touch with Bodh Gaya bombing probe

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday, in Parliament, requested the government to be in touch with the Indian government on the on-going investigations into the bomb attacks at the Bodh Gaya Temple.Making a special statement, he said that despite there being intelligence reports warning of possible attacks on the sacred site, the administrative committee of the Bodh Gaya temple had not taken proper security measures to counter threats.

Govt. afraid of losing NPC election: UNP

The UNP said today the government was afraid of losing the elections to the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) and that was why it had dissolved the North-Western and Central Provincial Councils one year prematurely so as to cover up its loss in the North.

UNP demands ownership of housing be transferred to estate workers

The UNP yesterday demanded the transfer of full ownership of houses and lands provided to estate workers by the government since 1995.Addressing a media conference in Colombo, UNP parliamentarian R. Yogarajan said that the then People’s Alliance government had provided loans to build houses through the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) on seven-perch plots in the hill country.

Dayasiri won’t cross over to govt, says Attanayake

The UNP yesterday denied that its Kurunegala MP Dayasiri Jayasekera was planning to cross over to the government.UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake, MP, said he had met Jayasekera, who rejected the claim being made in some quarters to that effect as baseless.

Reveal KP’s antecedent, before his nomination on UPFA ticket – UNP

If the government was intending to field Kumaran Pathmanathan, alias KP, on the UPFA ticket, at the forthcoming Northern Provincial Council Election, it should, first of all, reveal the former LTTE leader’s involvement in terrorism as well as all other information pertaining to the recovery of LTTE assets, the UNP said yesterday.