UNP says traitor tag a joke

November 23, 2013

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) says the traitor tag has now become a joke as anyone who speaks the truth is labeled as a traitor.

Speaking in Parliament today UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya said that even journalists are suppressed and not allowed to speak the truth.

However he noted there are a handful of journalists who do not give in to pressure or bribes to hide the truth.

He praised journalists who keep their head high and think about the country first.

Jayasuriya also said that investigations into the murder of 17 Sri Lankan journalists have not seen progress.

He said that even opposition members who attempt to reveal anything on the government are termed as traitors to the nation.

Speaking during the budget debate in Parliament, Jayasuriya said that the budget proposals for 2014 is far below expectations.

He claimed that even some members of the government have expressed disappointment over the budget.

Jayasuriya also said that defence expenditure for next year is high despite the end of the war over four years ago.

He noted that the government is even looking at purchasing fighter aircraft when there is no war. (Colombo Gazette)