Former United National Party Deputy Leader and Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake has questioned whether a person can realistically meet their monthly living expenses with Rs. 17,740, despite the Department of Census and Statistics estimating that amount as the minimum monthly cost of living.
Speaking during a political programme on a private television channel, Karunanayake said the official estimate does not reflect the financial realities faced by many Sri Lankans under current economic conditions.
He also said the present opposition does not intend to respond to the Government in the same manner that the current administration did when it was in opposition.
Karunanayake argued that the role of the opposition is not simply to organise protests or slogans, but to allow the Government reasonable time to implement its economic policies before evaluating its performance.
He noted that Sri Lanka’s political leadership has governed the country for decades and understands the complexity of managing the economy, adding that the Government should be assessed after being given sufficient time to deliver results.
Karunanayake made these remarks while participating in a political programme broadcast on a private television channel.
