Speaker blames corrupt politicians in successive govts. for current situation

By Norman Palihawadana

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday alleged that the main reason for the severe economic downturn faced by the country was that there were highly corrupt politicians in high positions in successive governments.Abeywardena castigated the political leaders for accommodating such people in their parties and offering them key portfolios at the expense of the country.

The Speaker said that those elements had only lined their pockets.The veteran politician said the SLPP government was no different and the political hierarchy had continuously accommodated undesirable persons with a tainted track record for high positions in the party and the cabinet without considering what damage they could cause the country.

“A large number of politicians live in the lap of luxury after robbing the country’s assets as there is no accountability and this has to be stopped by the political leadership”, Abeywardena said, adding that if the trend continued, Sri Lanka would remain a debt-ridden country forever and generations to come would undergo untold suffering unless the current political culture was changed and honest politicians and officials were appointed to key positions.