The party’s media spokesman Gayantha Karunathillake MP, addressing a news conference in Colombo, said it was the UNP that introduced the Rs.100,000 compensation scheme, at a time when the cost of living was very much lower and the rupee was stronger.

He queried as to why the government cannot increase compensation for those who die fighting to protect the territorial integrity of the country, when a Member of Parliament who is killed in a terrorist attack, is paid Rs. 5 million. "Public servants who die in similar circumstances should be paid at least Rs. 500,000 in compensation."

Karunathillake alleged that policemen deployed in Kandy during the last Central Provincial Council Election, to provide security for the President, are yet to be paid their allowances.

"Among the many levies imposed by the Rajapaksa government, is a Nation Building Tax, which we have been told is required among other things to make additional payments to security forces and police personnel. But in reality, this does not happen. The non payment of allowances to policemen who served in Kandy, is one such example."

Former UNP Western Provinical Councillor Lakshman Abeygunawardena said that 15 years of UPFA rule in the Western Province, had not seen any improvement, but a rapid deterioration of the road network.

"Only about 67 of the 1922 kilometers of motorable road are in proper condition. The rest are a nightmare to travel on."

The ruling UPFA councillors, he alleged, lived a very comfortable life, while the masses were struggling to survive. "They were not interested in developing the province, but very good at destroying all the hard work done by the UNP."

Abeygunawardena said that the UNP has drawn up a comprehensive work programme for the Western Province, which includes the establishment of a special fund for the benefit of security forces personnel, increase in the salaries of Cooperative Society workers and the establishment of six Technology Institutes in Gampaha, Kalutara and Colombo.