Kabir Hashim criticizes government over unfulfilled promises

COLOMBO (News1st): Opposition parliamentarian Kabir Hashim has criticized the government for failing to implement its pledges despite being in power for a year. Hashim pointed out that minister Wimal Weerawansa had made several pledges to offer concessions for utility bills and commodities such as rice, dhal, sprats, sugar, onions, and dried chillie. “I recall minister Wimal Weerawansa pledging a 15 percent waiver for water bills and a 25 percent waiver for electricity bills with a consumption less than 300 units,” the parliamentarian pointed out. He noted that Weerawansa had also pledged that appliances such as televisions, cooking stoves, and rice cookers will be sold at a 25 percent concessionary rate. “I spoke based on the Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour, and not on my account. The government will remain committed to fulfill these pledges,” Weerawansa, the industries minister said. Hashim, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya parliamentarian observed that costs of goods have increased under the current government compared to the previous administration, in which he served. He claimed that the previous government had inked an agreement to receive foreign investment worth USD 14,000 for an oil refinery and its related industries. “You are speaking blatant lies. When did the previous government ink an agreement for a 14,000 US dollar investment?” minister Namal Rajapaksa shot back. Industries minister Johnston Fernando questioned the opposition lawmaker on how the previous government spent money that was earned by leasing the Hambantota Port. Hashim said that the funds were used to repay loans obtained by the administration of President Mahinda Rajapaksa for projects that ended up futile.