UNP launch protest against budget

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United National Party had organized a protest near the Lipton Roundabout in Colombo against the rising cost of living and next year's Government budget. The protesters marched from the Viharamahadevi Park to the Lipton Roundabout on Friday (12). Several representatives of the UNP were seen participating in the protest as well. The Deputy Leader of the UNP, Ruwan Wijewardene speaking to media said that the budget which was presented is one which deceives people, and alleged that the Government doesn't care about the people's health and hunger. " This budget has increased allocations to build roads. But when people don't have money to buy even a three-wheeler, why are they allocating more money to build roads? This is a ploy to obtain commissions, "he said. Former UNP MP Navin Dissanayake said that he expected the Government to provide relief to the farmers, yet Basil Rajapaksa had not stated anything on the matter. Meanwhile, Sagala Ratnayaka, the Vice Chairman of the United National Party alleged that the Government is providing petty solutions, as the budget doesn't outline the plan to attract foreign direct investments to the country and ensure that the money reaches the people.