Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa while reiterating that the government is in the process of solving the issues faced by the country, yesterday insisted that he will not resign.
“Don’t be afraid.I will not resign”, he said.
The Prime Minister gave this undertaking when he met the members of the Provincial Councillor’s Forum at Temple Trees yesterday.
“I firmly believe that the current issues in the country can be resolved within a very short period”, he added.
He invited those who are protesting in the Galle Face and those who are leading them to have discussions with him. “Discussion is the only mean to solve the issues”, he said.
He said that invitation was also extended all Parties in Parliament to obtain Cabinet portfolios and work in unison for the sake of the country.
The Prime Minister was of the view that interruptions to essential services, including fuel, gas, electricity and medicine should have to be ended soon. He said that discussion on controlling prices should begin after resolving these issues.
The Prime Minister insisted that he is behind every step taken to save the country from this crisis. “Remember that I am behind every step that is taken to save the country from the present crisis”, he said .
He said that the government focused on saving the people’s lives from the COVID-19 pandemic soon after it came into power. “Some think power is more important than people’s lives in such situations. We thought saving people’s lives”, he said.
He added that the International Monetary Fund,World Bank, Asian Development Bank and friendly countries are ready to help the country. It is no secret that there is an economic crisis in the country. The economy which was based on debt for decades has reached a certain limit.
The Prime Minister said that accusing him is not something that started yesterday. “They accuse us of amassing wealth in England, US and Africa.He said that those who accused us of amassing wealth were unable to prove them when they were in power during the last five years.
“There are groups who are exerting pressure on international lending agencies and friendly countries not to provide loans to the country. He said that attempts to disrupt the day today life of the people cannot be condoned.
