Ruwan, too, accuses govt. of leading country to a famine

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene yesterday said that the country was likely to face a famine owing to the government’s bungling on the economic and agricultural fronts.

Speaking at a meeting of UNP professionals at the party headquarters in Sirikotha, Kotte, Wijewardene said many people had been left without money to buy food, even those who had money could not buy essentials, which were in short supply. “We have never experienced a situation similar to this in the past few decades. Even during the war, the people did not starve because food was available. The last known famine time was during World War II. When there was no rice, some people had to consume bajiri (a variety of millet used as animal food). This time around, the people would not be able to consume that grain because we no longer have them here. Bajiri is imported as a pet food for birds.”

Wijewardene said the government decision to deduct Rs. 700 each from pensions would deal a severe blow to senior citizens. “The government has introduced a pension scheme called Agrahara and described it as an insurance plan. Rs. 700 will be deducted from the monthly pension of those above the age of 70 years and Rs. 400 from the pensions of those above 60 years. The deductions would be considered the premium for the insurance. The pensioners, who do not wish to use the insurance scheme, have been asked to notify the Director of Pension of their decision by 15 Nov. If their letters would not reach the Director Pensions, within those two weeks, owing to a problem in the post or other issue, then deductions will be made from their pension. The government has no right to prune down the pensions in this manner. If the government needs to introduce an insurance scheme it has to propose it to the pensioners. Those who wish to join the scheme will do so and others can opt out of it. This system is created on an assumption that pensioners who like to join the scheme will not raise objections. There is no such insurance scheme in the world.”

 Wijewardene said that his party was opposed to the government’s attempt to fleece the pensioners in the name of an insurance scheme. “We call upon the government not to make deductions from pensions.”