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| Sunday,13 November 2005 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Promises in
UNP's People's Agenda
by Mahinda Nihal Perera Plans based on various projects for the fast development of the country have been produced in the UNP manifesto in comparison with past UNP governance no one can expect such progress as mentioned in the "People's Agenda". Cost of living The Paddy Marketing Board used to purchase 20 percent of the paddy that farmers produced at a reasonable price compelling the private sector to buy at a higher price and maintained a healthy paddy market in the past. The UNF government destroyed the entire system and sold out the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment where the poor and middle class families enjoyed moderate marketing facilities. Ranil was one of the Cabinet ministers who supported the UNP government to ruin the entire agriculture sector driving the farmers to commit suicide. Now, he is crying over a kitchen war. A packet of milk powder (Highland) is available at Rs. 124.25, 500 grams dhal at Rs. 30.00 and 500 grams of dried sprats at Rs. 85.00 in the open market. The UNP presidential candidate has now promised to make immediate arrangements to provide these items at Rs. 139.00, Rs. 34.00 and Rs. 94.00 respectively to bring down the cost of living. The UNF government issued a circular throughout all government departments and corporations suspending all new recruitment on the instructions of the World Bank and they failed to offer a single letter of appointment through their job market. Such a politician has now promised to create 200,000 job opportunities during the first-year and 1,000,000 within 5 years. The UNF government sold 50 kilos fertiliser at Rs. 1,450.00 which was freely available at Rs. 250.00 during the previous PA regime. Now, they promise all types of fertiliser at Rs. 550.00 for 50 Kilogram bag. Defeat of separatism It was the government that came up with the intention of selling water in the reservoirs to farmers and filling up paddy fields to construct garment factories. Wherever the UNP leadership goes, he invites the SLFP to join hands for a permanent resolution to the ethnic conflict. In the capacity of Prime Minister he signed the Ceasefire Agreement with Prabhakaran and then brought it to the notice of the President. He did not invite the SLFP at that crucial time, because the terms and conditions laid down in the agreement are in favour of the LTTE. Ranil has now agreed to amend the agreement since it is not practicable. The PA government introduced a political package way back in 1995 and requested the UNP to participate on a political program to usher in lasting peace among all races under one national flag. It was opposed at the beginning by Ranil making irresponsible allegations and later on they got together and held many conferences. Finally, the UNP agreed to introduce the new constitution to Parliament. During the historic speech presented by the President which lasted for 90 minutes in Parliament on August 3, 2,000 the very same UNP politicians were engaged in a very ugly manner to disturb the President's address. That was the end of consensus. Now, Ranil says, that he himself cannot solve the ethnic problem alone and invites the SLFP to assist him. Rewards The UNP Presidential candidate made many unacceptable promises to cheat and mislead the intelligent voters during the past election campaigns. The young boys and girls who joined hands with the UNP are still awaiting their rewards, gold bracelets, jeans, chewing gum and CDs. Dingiri Banda's fruits and Appuhamy's vegetable are still in stocks from 1999 awaiting export clearance to be sent to Dubai and Tokyo. At this election, Ranil promises to convert the country into a Parakramabahu era, build the world's largest 'Dagaba', ban the dowry system and change the traditional working dress of our farmers into bell-bottoms, Nike T-shirts and fancy shoes. Apart from all, he now sings patriotic songs on the stage with the others in the audience. Will the voters elect a vocalist for the most honourable and distinguished post of President of Sri Lanka? |
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