MINISTERS BLAMING EACH OTHER, BUT NOT THE PRESIDENT
April 25, 2013
Ministers Champika Ranawaka and Pavithra Wanniarachchi are taking turns at blaming one another, however no one is blaming the President for the recent hike in the electricity tariff, an anti-corruption group said today. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will “earn marks” by declaring on Workers’ Day (May 01) electricity concessions for the masses, Dr Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri said, addressing a press briefing by the Organization Against Corruption in Colombo.
There is no need to tell the people separately about the electricity tariff as they are already aware of the situation, the FUTA president said.
President of the Private Bus Owners’ Association, Gemunu Wijeratne who also expressed his views at the briefing, which was attended by several trade union representatives, stated that a husband at home usually lovingly gazes as his wife, but now he only looks at the electricity meter.
He no longer has time to look at his wife because he is too busy looking at the electricity meter, refrigerator and other electrical items, Wijeratne said.
A certain group which recently surfaced claiming to be saviors of the race and religion have nothing to say increase in electricity tariffs, said Sanjeewa Bandara, Convener of the Inter University Students Federation.
A total of 4 ministers are in charge of Power and Energy, however it’s of no use as the pressure is on the people, he said addressing press conference.
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) President, Dr Dewasiri further charged that the government is wasting the public’s money on advertising the Matttala Airport and that such advertising is unnecessary.
THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2013 
Masses are extending their support for the 'torch light' demonstrations carried out by the JVP demanding the government to withdraw the unfair electricity tariff hike.
A 'torch light' demonstration was held in Galle town yesterday (24th) as part of the campaign organized to be held throughout the island. While the demonstrators with torches marched to the town the shop owners extended their support by putting off lights in their establishments.
When the demonstration commenced lights at the bus stand and streets around too had been switched off.
