"TNA has the power to destroy this Government" - Prof. G.L. Peiris

Colombo (News1st): Addressing Local government representatives of the Matara district Minister Mangala Samaraweera expressed his views regarding an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. He noted that they were pushed into an economic crisis during the 51 day period, where they lost years cash outflow within a single month. He added that within 24 hours the IMF suspended an agreement citing a constitutional coup. Former Minister Bandula Gunawardena speaking about the contract with the International Monetary Fund said this was signed by the Governor of the Central Bank back in 2016 and was valid till April 2019 with an agreement to pay 1.5 Billion American dollars in 6 terms for 3 years. He added that the conditions were set when it was given to Sri Lanka. One of the conditions was that the Sri Lankan government would have to minimize the budget deficit to 3.5% of the GDP. He noted that to minimize the gap between income and expenditure income should be increased and expenditure should be minimized there’s no other option. Former Minister Gunawardene said that in order to increase the income, tax values should be increased and till the end of 2019 this Tax Hunt will not be minimized. SLPP Leader Professor G.L. Peiris questioned; What does this government do from the income that is gained by the people? He questioned whether the public knows how much this government has spent on the constitutional amendment process of the country. He noted that for now, they have wasted Rs. 1.3 billion for this purpose. Professor Peiris stated what Sumanthiran said was accurate if they want they could destroy this government by tomorrow morning and send Ranil Wickramasinghe back home. He noted that the Tamil National Alliance not only has the power they are very vocal about it.