Mr. Wickremesinghe was addressing the UNP candidates who lost the Provincial Council elections at a seminar held in the parliament complex as a part of the party reform program. National Party organizer S.B Dissanayake explained in detail the party reforms envisaged and obtained the reactions of the participants on it.

Lashing out at the JVP the opposition leader said, "The JVP has deprived the people from enjoying the benefits that would have derived from our sound economic foundation. They who betrayed the people, they who are pushing the people from the frying pan into the fire has no ethical or moral right to say that they acted on behalf of the people".

He said the UNP strived to improve the economic situation after it was ruined by the PA and JVP probationary regime. "While we were engaged in this arduous task, the JVP went around the country saying that had they been in the government they would have given more benefits to the people. They said that the UNP was dancing to the tune of the World Bank and promised to remove the 'World Bank' plug to reduce prices of goods in lightning speed. They pledged salary increase of 70% for public servants. Farmers were promised all kinds of fertilizers at a flat rate of Rs. 350. Not only graduates even the Ordinary Level and Advanced Level qualified youths were promised with permanent government jobs. They categorically said that petroleum prices would not be increased under any circumstances," he said.

Mr. Wickremesinghe said that the JVP was betraying the people as they are enjoying all Ministerial and MPs' privileges while cost of living is skyrocketing. "JVP was telling that they would direct the Alliance government with a stick if it gets on to the wrong track. But, today the JVP is enjoying all comforts and beating the people with their stick," he said.

UNP Deputy Secretary Tissa Attanayake, Parliament Member Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, Vice President Mr. Kehaliya Rambukwella were also present at the seminar