Techno rumours, Oppn’s desperate tool

Disna MUDALIGE

There is a strategic plan to spread false rumors among the public using new technology and communication means, said Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha.

Addressing the Colombo District Party Conference at the Temple Trees yesterday, he said that the people should be armed with true knowledge to defeat such plans of the Opposition.

Premajayantha said that it is reported that various false rumours will be spread through websites and email to tarnish the Government’s image when the Local Government Elections come get closer.

He said that the government has organized a series of rallies to make the public aware of the reality. Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that both political and economic stability are needed for rapid development in the country.

“Even though the opposition repeatedly claimed that the country would be denied of IMF and European aid, the IMF has approved its third quarter of financial assistance while European countries have extended their continuous support to our development efforts,” he said.

Gunawardena pointed out that the contribution of Local Governments is notable during the next five years since the country heads for an uninterrupted development.

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka observed that the uprising in the Arabian countries would be a good example for the opposition since the UNP is in a crisis to overthrow its leadership.

“The Hosni Mubarak Theory can be better applied to the JVP and Sirikotha. The UNP has been unable to overthrow Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe even after many attempts. The President has conducted a number of elections during the recent past and people have willingly accepted his regime. However most of these Arabian countries have not held elections for years,” he said.

Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa observed that this election would be the last opportunity for another five years for the UNP to demand for a change in the leadership. He noted that both government and opposition supporters will use their vote for the betel leaf to terminate Wickremesinghe’s party leadership.

“The opposition has no slogan against the government other than the prices of goods. With the implementation of one million domestic units this slogan will also vanish,” he said.

Scientific Affairs Senoir Minister Prof Tissa Vitarana also addressed the gathering.