Dayasiri threatens to take fight to the streets

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Some actions taken by sections of the government to undermine the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) had an adverse effect on the people of the country, former President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday at the party’s Polonnaruwa convention.

Sirisena said: “People had food. Gas and petrol and fertiliser were available. Now, there are shortagesof essential commodities.

Sirisena said that he had constructed the National Hospital of Nephrology in Polonnaruwa for the benefit of all kidney patients in the country. However, was affected by a shortage of trained personnel.

“This was not only for those living in Polonnaruwa but also for all citizens. There are 100 dialysis machines but only 20 are in use because there aren’t enough trained personnel to handle them. The hospital has no director. A state minister has told expatriate Sri Lankans they will turn the hospital into a white elephant. Who will suffer because of these attempts to hurt me?” he asked.

Secretary of the SLFP, State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera said that the government needed stable policies.

“Instead of focusing on that, the government is trying to harass our leaders. If this continues, we will have to resolve this on the streets,” he said.