UNP to Govt.:
Implement ‘Mathata Thitha’ from within

UNP MP Thalatha Athukorala yesterday called on the Government to look within their members first, as ‘Mathaka Thitha’, the drive to establish an alcohol and nicotine free Sri Lanka by 2015, is kicked off.
“There are many illicit liquor stores operating in the island, backed by the political clout of several Ministers,” she stated, “So that needs to be fixed first.” She added that millions will be spent on the marketing of this campaign with banners and publicity, which should be better spent on seeking out corruption within.
Reacting to a comment made by a UPFA member yesterday, stating that the Opposition, which is weak and incapable, should take a break from politics, she stated that the UNP is a party that cannot be exterminated, no matter what, and with its prestigious history and heritage, would continue to play a vital part in Sri Lanka’s politics.
The Opposition also called on the Cabinet to start working for the people, now that the war is complete, and to reduce the economic burden faced by the people of the country. “The cost of living is high. The Government brings down gas and other commodity prices, when an election nears, and things go back to square one once it is over. This must stop, and the unbearable economic burden must be taken away from the people.”
She added that, while the North is being developed under several schemes, freedom in the South has come under severe threat. “Education and Health have also been compromised, as the Government continues to neglect issues. The spread of Dengue was not curbed by the Health authorities, and in terms of Education, we have learnt that the AL students, who sent their papers for re-correction, after last year’s exams, have still not obtained their results.”