COLOMBO:Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Operations Chief Johnston Fernando has accused the Government of failing to manage the country’s economy, claiming that the cost of living is rising and several State institutions are suffering billions of rupees in losses.
“This is a boastful Government that does not understand administration,” Fernando said, responding to questions from journalists near the Colombo Fort Court.
He said that although the President had claimed that taxes had not been increased and some taxes had been reduced, several taxes had in fact been increased, adding to the burden on the public.
Fernando said figures released by the Central Bank and other recognised institutions showed the rising cost of living and could not simply be dismissed.
He also questioned the performance of State institutions, claiming that several were now incurring billions of rupees in losses.
Referring to the container controversy, he questioned the progress of complaints filed in connection with the incident and alleged that law enforcement institutions were being used to suppress political opponents.
He further accused certain institutions of using court proceedings and remand orders as tools of political repression, while stressing that his party would not be intimidated.
Comparing the present situation with the previous government, Fernando claimed that the SLPP administration had transformed loss-making institutions, including Sathosa, into profitable ventures.
“We did not record a single loss at Sathosa during the entire five years,” he claimed.
He said the previous administration had used Sathosa to provide essential goods to the public at affordable prices and control market prices, adding that the current situation was different.
Fernando said the SLPP would take all possible political measures to challenge what he described as Government repression.
He also accused the Government of fabricating evidence and filing false cases through State officials, claiming that such actions amounted to the misuse of State resources.