JVP takes Govt. to task over CHOGM expenses

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) accused the government today of spending millions of unnecessary rupees for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), instead of spending money to resolve the Ratupaswala water issue and other pressing needs in the country.

JVP Propaganda Secretary, Vijitha Herath, told the media that Rs750 million was spent to import vehicles for CHOGM while Rs 15 million was spent on CHOGM website, whereas the government cannot spend Rs 250,000 to conduct an experiment to test the Ph level in the water in the Ratupaswala area.

He alleged the government had bribed various countries, in order to receive the chairmanship of CHOGM.

“The government gave India the Sampur power plant, water projects to Uganda, and in addition, handed over the benefits of setting up casinos to Australia. The government would have stopped short at nothing to chair the meeting,” he said.

He stressed the public will have to bear up all the expenses for CHOGM, which is to be followed by a carnival, and it will be a huge burden on the country’s economy.

Herath alleged the government had let casino businessmen meddle with the country’s economy, noting the keynote address of the Commonwealth Business Forum will be delivered by Australian casino mogul, James Packer. (Ceylon Today Online)