Hunger strike against MCC called off

Ven Udumbara Kashyapa Thera's fast-unto-death campaign against the proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement was called off yesterday (Nov 5).

This was after considering two letters sent by presidential candidates Sajith Premadasa and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Ruling party candidate Premadasa, in his letter had stated that agreement with US-based MCC, which the government said, would see USD 400 million being issued as a grant to Sri Lanka, will not be inked before the presidential poll.

He had said that the matter would be debated in Parliament, prior to signing it, after the November 16 vote. Premadasa had also noted that he would consult the Maha Sangha including Kashyapa Thero to obtain their advice concerning the agreement.

Rival candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in his letter had stated that he would revoke all agreements signed by the government from the date of announcing the presidential election until the results are announced, if it had not been done based on national interests.

He added that he would review these agreements to ensure that it caters to national requirements and does not affect national security and sovereignty.

The hunger strike was staged at the Independence Square in Colombo.