"PM is trying to fool the Tamils" - MP Selvarasa Gajendran

Colombo (News1st) - The third phase of Enterprise Sri Lanka exhibition aimed at building entrepreneurs got underway in Jaffna yesterday (7 September). The exhibition that commenced under the auspices of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday, will continue until the 10th of this month from 10 a.m to 12 noon. Several MPs representing the Tamil National Alliance attended the inauguration ceremony where Sri Lanka Enterprise Loans were also awarded. Minister of Finance, Mangala Samaraweera highlighted that reconciliation is needed for the development of a country. He added that they are implementing mechanisms to inquire into the incidents that took place in the country. He further mentioned that along with the intervention of the Prime Minister they have been able to provide Rs. 6000 each for those who went missing and those who have been given the certificate of absence noting that it would not only apply to those who went missing during the war. "We will implement this on those who went missing in the South. We will also implement the truth commission", he added. Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that they have now received the chance to ensure development and reconciliation in the country. He noted that this government has taken many steps since 2015 but there's one program they could not do referring to their failure to bring a new constitution due to the lack of majority in parliament. He emphasized that it includes the abolishment of the executive presidency and devolution of power in the provincial councils. He added that even though they could not work on the constitution, they have reached an agreement about the power devolution and is the chairman, he has made the report with everyone's consent. "We are committed to implementing those proposals. I believe we will be more united during the next parliament", he continued. General Secretary of the Tamil National Peoples' Front, MP Selvarasa Gajendran, expressed these views on the statements made by the Prime Minister at a media briefing held in Mullaitivu today (8 September). He highlighted that when they presented a no-confidence motion against him with regard to the bond scam, he had a majority including that even when Mahinda Rajapaksa was made Prime Minister, the majority was with the PM. He further emphasized that at times when a budget needed to be passed, together with the Tamil parties, he could show a majority but when the North and the East have to be combined, to solve the problems of the people, to provide solutions, he does not have a majority. "It is just an act. It is clear that he is trying to fool the Tamil people and get their support", he added.