Vasu says Sirisena will be given a post in new govt, but Chandrika is a dud coin

By Prageeth Janaka

Water Supply and Drainage Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara on Saturday said that former President Maithripala Sirisena would be given a post in the new government in coming days according to the latter’s qualifications.

Speaking at a ceremony in Kolonne Minister Nanayakkara said: “I propose the combining of the SLPP and SLFP. There are no major differences of the visions of the two political streams. They should be combined and placed under Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership. Maithripala Sirisena too would be given a position soon. That would be done considering his qualifications. It is not my job to reveal it right now.”

“Chandrika Kumaratunga is an invalid coin in politics. She is a spy of our enemies and we have no place for her. She is supporting UNP and Samagi Jana Balawegasya on the sly. The SLFP has nothing to do with her. We could take care of the future of the SLFP without her.”

Minister Nanayakkara said that the government had no plans to increase water tariffs. Instead the government was committed to reducing waste and supply water efficiently. It was his aim to provide drinking water to all within four years, he added.

The Minister said that a four year plan with the theme “Providing water to the public life is our purpose in life” had been prepared for the purpose.

Steps would be taken to strengthen the Community Water Department by preparing new ordinances to regulate the water supply, the veteran leftist said.

Minister Nanayakkara said that steps would be taken to start four major water projects in Katana, Deduru Oya, Kelani Ganga South Bank and Matale this year to provide more than 100,000 new water connections, he said.

The Minister said that strict action would be taken against those who obtain water illegally.