Ranil highlights GSP+ withdrawal in May Day message
May 1, 2010 08:35 am
Message
When the working classes of most countries of the world are celebrating the May day on the 1st of May on the victories and privileges they have gained , the May day rallies in SL are being held when the working classes are most oppressed and repressed.
In this country ,the working class is hard put to eke out a living . They have been made to continue to bear the burdens they were saddled with when the war was on. The made sacrifices during the war . But , even after the war has ended there is no relief provided to them.
Owing to the closure of a large number of Industries , a large majority of
workers have lost their jobs. Export oriented Industries are also closing
down . Hundreds of thousands of workers in that sector are also
faced with the bleak prospect of being thrown to the streets. This dire
situation has been triggered by the withdrawal of the GSP + concessions .
Consequently ,the export sector which mainly depended on this is putting up its
shutters to the detriment of the economy and the workers are being
subjected to immense hardships.
The main reason for GSP + concession being lost is due to the Govt.’s
incapacity and inefficiency to secure it. Failure to adhere to the International
covenants , violations of human rights ,disrespecting Democracy and
suppression of the media have led to this disastrous situation in the
country. It is the working class who have to face the brunt of the problems
created owing to Govt. blunders and bungles.
The best way the Govt. can show its love for the working class is by
strengthening the Democratic Institutions of the country , safeguarding
human rights and restoring friendly relations with the foreign countries . It
is because of the neglect of these areas of governance , the Govt. has driven
the country , the working class and itself into an inextricable predicament.
It is only by following these rectifications and reforms ,
can a market and commerce which can resurrect the economy in general and
relief for the working class in particular, can be provided by the Govt..
Ranil Wickremesinghe
Leader of Opposition
