Johnston predicts SJB split, promises fertiliser

The SJB would suffer several splits soon, Minister Fernando said on Saturday during a ceremony held at the Provincial Council auditorium in Kurunegala to launch aqua farming entrepreneurs in the district.

Responding to questions by journalists who asked the minister to comment on recent statement by SJB MP Diana Gamage that the party would split into several groups, the Minister said the Opposition party’s leader Sajith Premadasa had lost twice and party followers had no hope that he would be able to steer that party to victory.

Asked to comment on prevailing shortages in the market, the Chief Government Whip said that the shortages had resulted from lockdowns and the situation would improve with the passage of time. “Farmers have complained of a fertilizer shortage and I am asking them to resume cultivation because fertilizer would be there on time. I ask them to have faith in this government. We will eradicate the fertilizer shortage in a few weeks’ time. Even if their crops fail, we will compensate them. These shortages of milk powder, gas and some other items are temporary and they have been caused by forex shortage and the pandemic. We as a government have been able to save the lives of people from the pandemic. The worst part of the pandemic is over. We have removed price controls and in the coming days shortages will be replenished soon.”

Asked to comment on the possibility of holding provincial council elections soon the Minister said: ‘Elections should be held on time. Holding elections shows the prevailing of democracy. All those shouting by the opposition will come to an end when an election is announced. The opposition is afraid of elections because it knows that it cannot win. Even last time they went before courts to delay the elections.”

Asked to comment on reports that some MPs would resign to contest for chief minister posts and monies had been allocated for electorates last week the minister said that funds had been allocated not for elections but for improving infrastructure facilities in the rural areas and developing economies of farming communities. “We are ready for an election any time. We do not need to allocate funds and make preparations for elections to win them like other parties. We have made impressive achievements such as restoring national security, winning against the pandemic and marching from strength to strength. People want a government that protects them. We are the only party that could save them and bring victories to them,” the minister said.