The Former President , Mahinda addressed the ‘Jana Satana’ rally organised by the joint opposition at the Hyde Park last afternoon.
In this meeting he responded to allegations by the present Government that the loans taken by him during his tenure of office has plunged the country into a debt crisis. He said that he took the following loans and completed each Projects:
Mattala International Airport – 190 miilion
Hambantota Port – 426 million
Norachcholai Coal – 1,340 million
Colombo matara Expressway – 630 million
Colombo Kattunayake – 248 million
Total loan taken by him amounted to 2,644 million.
Government alleges that there are more loans obtained by me but not accounted. Even in a Petty Kade businessman maintains account of what he sells on credit. If unaccounted loans are there, they need not worry for repayment, he said.
While this is the real situation, let us see the loans taken by the current Government. In the first instant they obtained loan of 400 million. Followed by this in May 2015 obtained through bond issue 680. In June 1,100 million. from India. In October 2015, 1500 million from India. In twelve occasions from Development Bank loan of 2,711 million.
Within one year they obtained loan of 6361 million.
Compare the loan taken by them and my Government. All Projects for loans taken by him have been completed and put in use. People are benefited and can be seen. He questioned the government to show even a culvert or a bridge they have constructed since they came into power? They cannot deliver the goods. They cannot work. they should hand over and go. We will show how to run the country, he said.
Whenever God prepares evil for a man, He first damages his mind, with which he deliberates.
