Sri Lanka, May 21 -- The United National Party (UNP) has raised concerns over what it described as the "uncontrolled depreciation" of the Sri Lankan rupee, questioning the government's economic approach and warning of rising pressure on the public due to the increasing cost of living.

In a statement, the UNP claimed that during the 20 months since the current government assumed office, it has overseen the currency depreciate from Rs. 292 against the US dollar at the time former President Ranil Wickremesinghe handed over power to Rs. 354 at present.

The party alleged that the depreciation was largely due to the government's failure to continue the economic programme initiated by the former President, adding that the absence of a clear ec...