Opposition Leader blasts disruption of essential services for political gains

Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan says the Government headed by the democratically elected President Maithripala Sirisena should be allowed to take the country forward.

He reiterated that no one has the right to topple the Government by hatching conspiracies and interrupting essential services.

Speaking at the debate on resolutions under the Public Services Ordinance in Parliament on Thursday (27 July) the Opposition leader said disrupting essential services is an anti-democratic move.

While acknowledging that trade unions are a vital and important component of a democratic society and the rights of workers need to be protected at all times, Sampanthan stressed that nobody has the right to interrupt essential services. Blamed the so-called Joint Opposition for being responsible for the ongoing trade union action, he said the Government must take bold decisions against such movements, adding that the Government should have the authority to implement those decisions. The Opposition Leader pointed out that the people twice rejected the leadership of Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa politely and the people’s verdict should be accepted. Therefore, all political groups should bow down to the democratic decision of the people and allow the Government to move the country forward, he said.

He also accused the Joint Opposition of attempting to disrupt national reconciliation. The Opposition Leader requested all sections of the populace to join hands to develop the country.