Environmentalist Dr. Ravindra Kariyawasam has accused the government of attempting to privatize the national water supply after the General election. According to Kariyawasam, plans are already afoot to privatize the country’s water supply. “People’s right to water will be taken away,” he said adding that initial plans are being formulated now.
“The government has already taken steps to withdraw the 2001/5 circular which will lead the way to the sale of the country’s protected forest land,” he said. He also alleged the government will sign the controversial MCC agreement which will allow for the country’s plan to be sold. Kariyawasam said the people should vote wisely. “If not as we warned in 2010 a large number of environmental issues will crop up,” he said.
Kriyawasam said people who hope to protect the country’s natural resources, environment and wildlife should not vote for anyone who plans to sell them. Noting the past rulers have done this, he stressed that people should avoid voting for any party who was in power during the last 72 years who contributed to the sale of the country’s natural resources and assets.
