Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal was invited yesterday to speak on the current economic situation in the country at a special discussion at Temple Trees attended by the UPFA leaders and SLFP organizers. The ministers had paid little attention to Nivard’s speech and had severely criticized him afterwards.

He had said that there was going to be a massive economic development in the country and therefore the protests by people on the increase of fuel prices should be ignored since they were going to be greatly benefited by the so called economic development.

The minister had found Nivard’s speech humorous and had told each other that they were unable to visit their constituencies due to decisions taken by people in their A/C rooms based on commissions received by them.

Minister Champika Ranawaka had explained the reason for the increase in electricity tariffs while Minister Susil Premajayantha had explained the fuel price hike. However, Minister Wimal Weerawansa had been assigned the task of making the speech on patriotism.