JO calls for General Elections

The Joint Opposition yesterday called on the Government to hold General Elections to enable the country to better handle the current economic crisis. 

“If a motion is tabled to dissolve Parliament before the end of its term, it will be supported without any conditions,” MP Shehan Semasinghe said, addressing a press briefing held in Colombo.

He said the depreciation of the dollar had led to economic instability in the county due to the mismanagement of the Government. He also pointed out that external factors such as the recent economic boost in the US were being used by the Government as an excuse to cover up their failures.

“This is not a time for lame excuses; this is a time to find a sustainable solution, but unfortunately the Government doesn’t have a plan to face these challenges. Even during the 2008 economic recession, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Government managed economic development,” he added.

He also highlighted that the previous regime had prevented inflation. During the 10 years of Rajapaksa’s tenure the rupee depreciated by only 2.9%, he stated.

“We cannot agree with the Government. The entire industrial sector has collapsed and we are witnessing a negative trade balance which has never been experienced before,” he said.

He also went on to declare that forming a new government under the Rajapaksa was the only way for the economy to recover.