UPFA to reveal stand on opposition leader post

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Reconstruction activities of the Matale Eriyagolla Weva got underway earlier today (August 05) . The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera who was accompanied by the State Minister of Agriculture Wasantha Aluwihare. Addressing those gathered, Minister Amaraweera stated that a tax of Rs.70 has already been imposed on imported rice and that another tax of Rs. 40 has been imposed on potatoes and big onions. "None of those taxes would be reduced without consulting the farmers first. President Maithripala Sirisena is the only President in history who has given concessions to farmers in this manner" continued the Minister. Amaraweera continued to say that although a letter signed by eight people had been sent to the speaker requesting Dinesh Gunawardene be appointed as the leader of the Opposition, neither he nor the President had received any such letter. "One faction is requesting Dinesh Gunawardena as the opposition leader, another faction wants Kumara Welgama as the opposition leader. We will give an answer by tomorrow after discussing with the heads of our party.." the Minister noted.