Demonstrators gathered in the Ampara town today, April 10, citing several demands, including the cessation of the construction of an alcohol distillery in the Eastern Province.

The protest was organised seeking immediate solutions to problems faced by the agrarian community in the Ampara District.

The demonstrators occupied the town centre for nearly an hour.

MP Wimalaweera Dissanayake speaking on the issue said:

[quote]”Arjuna Mahendran’s son-in-law, Arjun Aloysius, who stole billions from the Central Bank through his Perpetual Treasuries company, is now providing ‘Mendis Special’ to the people of Kalkudah and the East”.[/quote]

Meanwhile, MP Padma Udayashantha speaking on the matter said:

[quote]”Just like Ranil Wickremesinghe formed the government in 2001, this government is once again trying to resuscitate the “Yali Pubudamu Sri Lanka” programme. Through this they plan to sell this country’s national resources as well as 30 odd state institutions, including the Sevanagala, Pelawatte and Hingurana plantations. They are giving away the Trincomalee oil tank farm. They also plan to sell the Trincomalee and Hambantota ports, the Mattala Airport and the Colombo Port City. This government has plans to sell all of this country’s assets”.[/quote]

• Australian politician settles defamation suit with Lankan student
• “We will change the political culture of the country” : Gotabaya Rajapakse
• Cabinet appoves 5-year government plan to phase out protective tariffs
• Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka enters into agreement with INTERPOL
• Dutch Foreign Minister meets with President Sirisena