The Deputy Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance and Nuwara Eliya District Parliamentarian, Palani Digambaram, stated that although discussions have been held to merge the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) into a single political entity, such efforts will never be successful. (Sri Lanka Latest News)
Mr. Digambaram made these remarks during a media conference held at the head office of the Workers’ National Front and Workers’ National Union, both of which are led by him, in Hatton.
Speaking further, he noted that both parties could continue to function independently while forming an electoral alliance to contest together in upcoming elections in order to gain power. He added that the Tamil Progressive Alliance has already submitted this proposal to both parties.
Commenting on recent legal matters, Mr. Digambaram emphasized that the law should be enforced against the lawyer who obstructed a police officer in the Mount Lavinia Court premises.
He also expressed his support for the government’s current stance on holding corrupt individuals accountable, saying that he fully endorses the government’s actions in this regard.
Discussing development projects, Mr. Digambaram pointed out that under the previous government, many houses were built for people in plantation areas, and title deeds were provided to the beneficiaries. However, he criticized the current government for issuing only title certificates instead of proper deeds to the same beneficiaries.
He further said that although the President announced that estate workers were being granted title deeds, some ministers of the same party have issued contradictory statements, confusing the “title certificate” with an actual “title deed.”
Addressing wage concerns, Mr. Digambaram recalled that the President, during a visit to Bandarawela, had promised to increase the daily wage of estate workers to Rs. 1,700 before the end of this year. However, according to discussions Mr. Digambaram held with estate companies, they have stated that they cannot afford this increase due to the rising production cost of tea per kilogram.
