Usage of cocaine cannot be curbed if Govt. consumes the same : Opposition Leader

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that the usage of cocaine in the country cannot be eradicated when the government is also consuming the same.

Speaking to the media yesterday (Feb 19), he said that the consumption of cocaine by parliamentarians need not necessarily be publicised.

"Allegations have been levelled against all parliamentarians and the entire cabinet. The cabinet should know how to safeguard their dignity" he remarked.

Mr. Rajapaksa then drew parallels to the current state of affairs to the situation which existed between 1998 - 1990. 

"During that period people were abducted and as a result were reported missing. This has happened under this government as well" he claimed urging that the government should take responsibility for such abductions.

The Opposition Leader also spoke on the lines of the forthcoming elections and said that the Provincial polls must be held immediately.

"Otherwise the parliamentary elections must be held. We are ready for the Presidential Election as well. We are ready for any election" Mr. Rajapaksa noted.