The year 2017 will be a critical year for the government, Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando said.

Speaking at a recent event, Fernando said that many people did not understand the 'good governance government' and how the UNP and the SLFP could work together. However, the two parties came together will the intention of moving the country forward together, he added.

Fernando argued that some individuals were against this programme of the government and was attempting to break the unity between the two parties. They are raising various issues in an attempt to create discord between the President and the Prime Minister, he alleged.

The minister insisted that the government will have to prove itself in the coming year. It will either stand strong or will go down in 2017, he said. The government will have to carry out its promises within the year, or it will face severe challenges, the minister pointed out. However, he insisted that the government will be able to carry out the promises and withstand all challenges.