Opposition looks forward to sanctions – State Minister

By Anuradha Hiripitiyage

The Opposition was eagerly awaiting sanctions to be imposed on Sri Lanka, State Minister D.V. Chanaka told The Island yesterday.

All political parties must work together when faced with external threats, Minister Chanaka said.

“The yahapalanaya government even co-sponsored a resolution against Sri Lanka. We have withdrawn from it.”

Mahinda Rajapaksa had urged foreign investors to come to Sri Lanka, even when he was in the Opposition, Chanaka said, adding that the current Opposition MPs were doing their best to discourage foreign investors.

“The government has held discussions with many UNHRC members to ensure a positive outcome of the vote to be taken on the anti-Sri Lankan resolution. We are determined to ensure the safety of our troops.”

Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Pubudu Jayagoda said that the government must address concerns of the Tamils about what took place in the last phase of the war domestically. “Sri Lanka’s problems will be used by foreign powers in Geneva. The war ended 12 years ago and no government has solved the legitimate issues of the Tamil people. Now, external powers use these issues to advance their agendas.”