MR denies unconstitutional takeover

• Says economy doing worse than Jan. 2015 when he stepped down
• Questions why Govt. waited for him to reduce fuel prices 
• Insists Opposition will protest unfavourable programs 
• Calls for people-friendly policies from Govt.

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday denied his appointment as Prime Minister on 26 October was unconstitutional and called on the Government to follow people-friendly economic policies.

Joining the Vote on Account debate in Parliament, MP Rajapaksa held that no government was established with a coup. “We didn’t do any coup. But please keep that in mind that your chairs are not safe with us in the Opposition. Along with the people the Opposition will stand against your program, which is unfavourable for the country,” said MP Rajapaksa.

Doing an economic comparison when he was ousted from power in January 2015 with the situation on 26 October, MP Rajapaksa held businesses were incurring losses and have faced greater constraints, with some even having to shut down, resulting in the loss of employment. 

“You didn’t allow us to build the country. We had to change your unfavourable tax policy. You could have reduced the fuel prices before I brought it down. The oil barrel went to $ 28 level during the Coalition Government. We reduced VAT, giving room for people to work, but you didn’t allow us to continue,” said Rajapaksa.

Pointing out that there were families which only had one meal per day, MP Rajapaksa urged the Government to reduce prices of essential items.

“We as politicians have no excuse if we are unable to reduce the cost of living,” he added.   

According to Rajapaksa, the Government should not follow every instruction issued by the International Monetary Fund but maintain a people-friendly economic policy. (AH)