Former minister Manusha Nanayakkara has taken a critical stance against the current government, arguing that they are struggling to maintain public support in light of lies that emerged during the presidential election campaign. He pointed out that the government’s claims of obtaining a two-thirds majority are now overshadowed by the challenge of even securing a simple majority in upcoming elections.
Speaking to reporters, Nanayakkara attributed the growing dissatisfaction among government employees to unfulfilled promises regarding salary increases. He noted a significant decline in postal voting, which he believes reflects the disillusionment felt by workers who feel they have been misled. “We see a lack of use of postal votes. I think that wave is coming to an end. This decrease may be due to some people’s suspicion that they have been deceived,” he stated.
Nanayakkara also addressed the recent adjustments in fuel prices, recalling how the current government officials previously criticized their predecessors for alleged profiteering. He challenged the ministers to clarify whether they would also benefit from the current pricing structures. “If the price formula brought by Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe and Minister Kanchana is the same, what does this mean? Previously, when we used the price formula, it was wrong. What these people do is right,” he remarked.
He emphasized the disconnect between government promises and public expectations, particularly regarding tax reductions and adjustments to agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Ranil Wickremesinghe’s work is still being done. Even though he says he doesn’t take his advice, he goes his way,” he noted.
The former minister highlighted the government’s failure to garner anticipated support during the presidential election, revealing that out of an expected one million votes, only 560,000 were secured—signifying a notable shift in voter sentiment. He explained, “This is what happens in the parliamentary elections. People vote for those they know in their district, who have worked in the area.”
Nanayakkara expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to achieve a simple majority, stating, “I don’t think it will be possible to make a simple majority with the expected two-thirds.” He also criticized the government’s handling of rising food prices, such as rice and eggs, calling it a deceptive strategy and demanding accountability for the economic pressures facing the populace.
In a final appeal to the government, he warned that as the public becomes increasingly aware of the inconsistencies in government messaging, they should refrain from reacting defensively. “When the lies told to the government come to light, don’t whine,” he concluded, underscoring the need for transparency and honesty in governance.
