A massive crowd took part in the Satyagraha campaign organized by the United National Party at the Hyde Park grounds in Colombo this afternoon.
The Satyagraha campaign organized by the UNP with civil society groups saw the participants clad in white sending a clear message to the government to “act now” to change the fortunes of the country.
Participants were also of the view that the country needs a national policy framework to overcome the current economic challenges.
The event was held under the patronage of UNP Leader Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Senior UNP leaders, public representatives, civil society activists and the general public also attended the event.
Speaking to media at the event, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said the time is apt for all factions, irrespective of racial and religious differences, to unite for a national cause.
Former State Minister of Defense Wijewardene said the country’s economic issues must be resolved promptly to ease the burden of the citizens. He said the public is also waiting to respond to the actions of the present government at upcoming elections.
National Organizer of the UNP Former Minister Sagala Ratnayake said the government must understand that it cannot take arbitrary decisions any longer and must reach a consensus to formulate a national policy framework. He said Sri Lanka has never experienced economic troubles of this nature in the past and they have never seen queues of this magnitude to purchase essentials daily.
He said without a common strategic programme, the government will not be able to overcome the current crisis. Former Minister Sagala Ratnayake stressed that therefore the government should listen to the UNP and agree to formulate a broad programme with the consensus of other political factions.
General Secretary of the UNP Palitha Range Bandara also echoed similar sentiments and said he is hopeful that the government will realize why the UNP has been urging to formulate a national policy framework.
He said every sector in the country including education and transport sectors have collapsed and the delay to take remedial measures will push the country to the brink.
Palitha Range Bandara said the UNP Leader has been continuously providing advice to the government on how best to go forward as a country.
The UNP General Secretary said the government will not be able to function any longer if it continues to ignore the plight of the people.
