No plan to replace PM – Prasanna
Chief Government Whip and Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said yesterday that there is no plan to replace the current Prime Minister despite what various people say.
The current Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene has proved that he is an experienced and prudent politician by his actions so far.
Minister Ranatunga made these remarks while speaking to the media after a ceremony where Urban Development and Housing State Minister Thenuka Vidanagamage assumed duties.
He further said that all State Ministers were appointed in accordance with the Constitution and they will draw only their MP’s salaries. Only a limited number of vehicles will be available for their use. Because, we all need to make some sacrifices on behalf of the country in these difficult times.
A large number of institutions come under the purview of certain Ministries and it’s hard for Cabinet Ministers to work and supervise those institutions alone. Therefore, several more Cabinet Ministers should be appointed in order for the functions of these Ministries to function smoothly.
“No one can cast allegations that these appointments will increase state expenses. In that case, Government officials receive more salaries and allowances than us. The country had suffered an economic recession during the tenure of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga. NFF Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who accuses us of accepting Ministerial posts at present, also obtained Ministerial posts at that time. This is just a slogan of this Opposition,” he said.
“We understand that everyone in the country is undergoing economic difficulties. We brought an Interim Budget to provide relief to the people. Also, the Budget for next year will be presented to Parliament this November. We hope to provide more relief to the people by managing the current economic situation,” Minister Ranatunga said.
“The Opposition and the so-called protesters in this country still have a fear of the Rajapaksa family. But, the ordinary people do not have such fear. It was only a system change excepted by peaceful strugglers in this country. We also accept that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was appointed to the position of President for that reason. Since MP Namal Rajapaksa was the first on the Preferencial List of the Hambantota district, he is suitable to hold a ministerial position. But, I don’t know whether he will accept a Ministerial portfolio or not.
Also, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa should decide whether he wants to return to politics or not. The future will decide whether his actions are right or wrong. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa is a weak leader.
He is afraid of accepting challenges. We invited him to work with us by facing this challenge instead of talking nonsense outside. But, he is afraid. The same is the case with NFF Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Both of them are afraid of accepting challenges,” the Minister said.