PM calls for public to be updated on policies of presidential candidates

Tuesday, 8 October 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says Govt. brought down cost of living more than former administration
Questions why Rajapaksa Govt. failed to increase public employees’ salary as much as this Govt.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that the public should be aware of the policies of presidential candidates and their plans to bring down the cost of living before deciding who to vote for on 16 November. Addressing an event held at the United National Party (UNP) Head Office over the weekend, Wickremesinghe noted the economic policies of a presidential candidate should be studied carefully to assess how they will impact household expenses.

“People should consider the policies of each presidential candidate and how that can impact people’s wallets. People should decide if they want to lift their living standards or not. If they elect the wrong person they would have to face consequences of their wrong decision,” Wickremesinghe said.

Wickremesinghe argued the Rajapaksa Government had failed to increase salaries of State employees and bring down the cost of living during their nine-year tenure. According to Wickremesinghe, the incumbent Government was able to lower fuel prices more than during the previous Government. “When we took office a petrol litre was Rs. 162 but now it’s Rs. 137 and diesel was Rs. 118 now Rs. 104. I just want to ask if they will decrease fuel prices if they are elected. Why did they fail to decrease the price when they were in power?” Wickremesinghe questioned.

He noted the Government had increased salaries of State employees during the past four-and-a-half years. According to Wickremesinghe, the Government has increased salaries across the board and given public servants the highest increments possible in a short period of time.

“Our Government increased salaries from the office assistant to the highest level. When we took office, a school teacher got Rs. 16,100 but now their salary has increased to Rs.33, 300. I think the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) should answer first why they were unable to do that when they were in power.”

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said National Democratic Front candidate Sajith Premadasa has proven his capacity and the Government at large has proven that it is capable of developing the country.

“We have proven that we are capable of developing the country. I am sure we will be able to elect UNP president and hopefully form a UNP Government as well,” he said.