JVP accuses Goverment of backtracking on scrapping of MCC

Tuesday, 17 December 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MP Vijitha Herath says views against MCC were ploy to win votes
Says Govt. backtracking on election pledges
Questions why Cabinet subcommittee was appointed if intention was to scrap MCC

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday accused the Government of going back on its election pledge to scrap the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact agreement and said it was only a ploy to win votes.

JVP MP Vijitha Herath

JVP MP Vijitha Herath told reporters at a press briefing that during the election campaign there were vociferous arguments against the MCC, saying it compromised national security but the Government was now backtracking on those claims.

“At a Cabinet meeting held last week, the Government had taken a policy decision to appoint a subcommittee to review the MCC agreement and submit a report. Why is a subcommittee appointed to look into an agreement which they pledged to do away with?” the JVP queried.

He said that the Government had been in power for only a month, but it was already exposing its double standards.

“Today we have SLPP supporters saying 70% of the agreement is good. Before the election the entire thing was demonised. Some are saying that the MCC is an independent body, but we know it’s an arm of the US State Department,” he said.

He added that the Government was desperate to get the $ 480 million grant at any cost.

Govt. to study MCC deal first before taking final decision: President