The Opposition seems to be rejoicing when religious leaders, led by Maha Sangha, become critical of some decisions and actions of the government, but the fact remains that the incumbent government will not always respect the advice of religious leaders, Highways Minister Johnston Fernando says.

Following an inspection tour to review the progress of the construction of the Marine Drive’s section from Dehiwala Bridge to Hill Street, Minister Fernando said that the government would never forget the fact that it had been voted in by the majority of Sinhala Buddhist and Catholic electors and the government was dedicated to safeguarding their inspirations.

“We are in the process of preparing a new Constitution. It is our policy to hold the elections without delay. That is why we have started the process of holding elections for the Provincial Councils. Some members of the Maha Sangha have expressed their opinion that elections should not be held at this time. When that difference of opinions came up the Opposition seemed to have rejuvenated as if they got a boost.

“We respect the religious leaders’ opinion and advice which we never challenge. We work in a democratic framework. We also have a policy and practice of giving priority to the advice of religious leaders when making decisions. I assure you that there would be no clash between their wishes and our actions. So the Opposition’s delight would be proven to be very-short-lived sinister joy.”

Minister Fernando said that those who were in the Opposition today used to deploy water cannon and police anti-riot squads to smash the heads of bhikkhus who took to the roads against social injustices prevailing then.  “The bhikkhus have stated their opinion with regard to the cremation of bodies of COVID-19 victims and I, as the Chief Government Whip, am happy that their standpoint is in accordance with the government policy.”

Minister Fernando said that during the five-year period of the yahapalana government there had been no development of the Marine Drive extension project, which had been launched to ease congestion on the Galle Road. “We have expedited its extension. It is our intention to finish the 1.2 km long section from the Dehiwala Bridge to Hill Street within 70 days. This would solve the traffic congestion near the Ramakrishna Road, Dehiwala. We intend to develop the two-lane Dehiwala Bridge into a four-lane bridge.”