Opposition rejects government's ultimatum

[TamilNet, Friday, 09 January 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The UNP leader Mr. Ranil Wickremesignhe called a press conference this morning at his official residence to explain his party's position on the devolution process.

He told the press that he could not accept the government's ultimatum yesterday the UNP should come up with its official position on devolution before the end of this month.

However, the opposition leader said that the UNP will present its own devolution proposals in stages.

The party will give the first set of its proposals by the end of this month or and another during the first week of February he said.

Mr.Ranil Wickremesinghe accused the government of trying to create a constitutional crisis in order to divert the people's attention from the corruption charges that have been brought against it.

Prof. G.L Pieris, deputy minister for finance and minister for constitutional affairs said yesterday, that if the UNP did not come up with its proposal by end of January, the government would implement the devolution package on its own.

Related Articles:
08.01.98   Government gives opposition ultimatum over package