COLOMBO (NewsRadio); Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena says a series of protests and strikes have been organized by certain trade unions with a political motive.
Speaking during the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Department of Government Information, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said Sri Lanka is closing in securing a deal with the International Monetary Fund and certain political elements are attempting to sabotage them.
The Minister said the government has taken a number of steps to fulfill IMF requirements which will pave the way for the country to come out of the economic crisis.
He said Sri Lanka has to work with international partners to strengthen the economy.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that at a time no one was willing to take up the challenge, the incumbent President came forward to revive the economy last year.
He said the public can visibly see the changes that have materialized from last year.
Minister Gunawardena stressed that the country is not experiencing power cuts any longer while fuel and gas queues have disappeared.
He said several other steps have to be taken to stabilize the economy and achieve sustainable development.
The Minister said however certain political elements are attempting to sabotage such programme merely for their political survival.
He said if the IMF approval comes through and other global bodies resume their programmes in the country, Sri Lankans will benefit immensely.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena said therefore unions and political elements must allow the government to take forward its programme.
He noted if trade unions continue their destructive activities, the government will not be able to continue the IMF pogramme.
The Minister noted that it could lead to even longer power cuts and lengthier fuel queues in the country.
