Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that the current government should postpone the sale of national assets and state enterprises until the next presidential election, and allow the new government to resolve the issue according to its mandate.
He says that the government’s program to restructure state enterprises has been unpopular among trade unions, political parties and the general public, and therefore the program should be stopped until the upcoming presidential election.
In a statement, he said that he does not see the need to privatize any enterprises that can have a decisive impact on national security, as well as institutions that are currently profit-making.
He emphasizes the importance of transparency, national security considerations and consultation with employees in restructuring state-owned enterprises.