MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, the leader of the United Republican Front (URF) has said a population of 2.7 million persons have been reduced to poverty due to the conduct of the present government, leading to a humanitarian tragedy.

He was speaking today (Dec. 03) at a media briefing held at the party headquarters.

Noting that it is not possible to win elections by distributing clothes, he pointed out that whether or not the IMF calls for it, things such as increasing state revenue, controlling state funds and restructuring debt, should be done anyway.

He further stated that just because there are no more queues for petrols, no dearth of fertilizer or commodities, no import bans and just because many travelled during the festive season, statements are being made that the country has reached normalcy.

However, skyrocketing expenses including electricity bills, fuel costs and phone bill costs could lead up to a standstill of economic growth and subsequently an economic contraction, he stated.