Politicos get crisis update at President’s meeting

Government politicians yesterday at a Presidential forum got a special update and explanation on the current crisis following the devaluation and fuel hike as well as upcoming UNHCR sessions.

The forum held before the weekly Cabinet meeting was attended by MPs, heads of local government bodies and Ministers.

Ministers Susil Premjayantha, Champika Ranawaka, Rajitha Seneviratne along with Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal had explained the reasons as well as counter measures taken.

They had emphasized that the crisis was “temporary” whilst high economic growth, recent low inflation and interest rate regime had provided considerable savings and relief to people since the end of the war. It was emphasized that these along with new relief measures announced would make the impact less following the devaluation, hikes in fuel price and electricity charges and resultant increases in other goods and services.

Minister Wimal Weerawansa had said that the Opposition was trying to discredit the President and the Government as well as the defeat of terrorism ahead of UNHCR sessions in Geneva.

At the meeting a decision had been made to conduct countrywide rallies to commend the Government for its economic management as well as progress in development and reconciliation matters despite facing many challenges.