Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the former government of Mahinda Rajapaksa measured development in the volume of concrete used in construction works and not the outcome of such projects.

Speaking at a UNP election rally at Walasmulla in Rajapaksa's home district of Hambantota, Wickremesinghe pointed out that the former government carried out two mega projects in the district. The Hambantota Harbour was not profitable and the Mattala Airport was a disaster, he added.

Wickremesinghe also said that the promised jobs and industries were not created in Hambantota. Since Rajapaksa feared defeat in his home district, he decided to contest from Kurunegala, the Prime Minister claimed.

Wickremesinghe added that the UNP was measuring development in terms of money inside the pockets of ordinary people.