Power cuts are a big loss - Ravi explains

Former Finance Minister and Deputy Leader of the United National Party, Ravi Karunanayake, today (13) called a press conference to express his views on the current situation. At that time, he pointed out that the government should resolve the electricity crisis very soon. The press conference is as follows.

The issue related to the Electricity Board is the first thing I am going to talk about. I am not happy with the answer received from the Electricity Board at this time. I think the board is not ready to face it when something like this happens. When an innocent consumer does not pay the bill for two weeks, the electricity is blocked. But when something like this happens, who will speak for them.

Next, regarding the price of paddy, it is not what they talked about in the opposition and are saying now. The best way is to create a competitive situation on this. Only by doing so can the consumer be protected.

We are looking at how these salaries will be increased and concessions will be given through the budget. We gave allowances to senior citizens as an incentive at that time. This is a very important issue for the lending policy.

At this time, there is still no talk of how to expand the economy. I said then that the government should receive 15% of the gross domestic product. Now that is what the Monetary Fund has also said. This country will be built tomorrow through the investments made today.

The youth are waiting to see how they will return to the economy.

Today, interest rates have increased, water has increased, taxes have increased, and we are competing for two things. On a foreign trip like this, we should try to pay off as much debt as possible. Let's see how our investment incentives come with the budget.

You were told at that time that Ravi Karuvala Nayaka. What do you say about that now?

When I came, the traffic that was supposed to be cut off. There are management issues here. They should answer without making jokes here.

Won't the power cuts affect the country?

This is a big loss to the country. The UNP has solved the electricity problem every time it has taken power. That is what needs to be done.

What do you have to say about the 100 days of your good governance government and the 100 days of this government?

We made 100 promises and implemented 91. Now the people are waiting to see if these people fulfill the promises they made.

How are the UNP's reconciliation talks going?

Several people are working to destroy unity here. They should act with dignity here, not by force. I am the most senior person after Ranil Wickremesinghe. Aren't we UNP members? I was surprised that Thalatha spoke like that. We need to create a situation where we work together. Today, UNP members have gathered around the party to ask for disciplinary action. Those who ask say that after Ranil, it is Ravi. I am saying this to the elephants who have not paid their votes here. Come, let us join together.

Now, what do you say about vehicle imports?

I am here for the people. I said that this expansion should be done in a way that does not destabilize the rupee. If it destabilizes, it will be a problem. The economy should be able to withstand it. I am saying that as a country as a whole, we should do what is right and not what is popular.