May 27, Colombo: Leader of the SLFP(M) Mangala Samaraweera says it is not only world market prices that have pushed the people into misery but also "it is the Rajapaksa style of ignorant governance that aggravates the situation."

Issuing a statement, Mr. Samaraweera said the war is being used to scare the people into accept it and also to “make a fast living, both in pushing big time deals and in establishing a nepotistic authoritarian rule”.

“This is a government that kills the society in every way,” he said.

Mr. Samaraweera also said that inflation in real terms is over 40% and with bank interest rates increasing, even the corporate sector is in difficulty. Employment generation is being pruned as capital investment is at a low.

“Plundering of the economy is carried out with the promise to end terrorism by military means, but holds little credibility now,” adds Mr. Samaraweera, concluding that the country needs “a saner government”.