The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, you campaigned on this repeal, won two‑thirds thereafter, and now bring it — good. But do not paint all leaders of the past 76 years as looters. John Kotelawala donated his lands — Kotelawala Defence University stands on his gift. J.R. Jayewardene donated lands — Manelwatta in Biyagama, the JRJ Centre in Colombo 7. Dudley Senanayake and many other leaders made great sacrifices. Yet you spread hatred saying all rulers are thieves — there are reasons, yes, but do not generalize.

¶ 02 We acknowledge some Presidents abused entitlements — turning official residences into mansions, spending crores unnecessarily. The question is: abolish entirely or impose limits and standards? I believe a President should have certain entitlements during and after tenure. You are now limiting post‑tenure to just a pension. If so, even the pension could be removed; President Anura Kumara may say he does not need it — fine — but will your party look after even the families of your own founder, Rohana Wijeweera? I doubt it. We believe former Presidents should have modest, fair entitlements.

¶ 03 Also, do not pretend that savings here will solve all national issues. While you cut these perks, we hear electricity tariffs are to rise by about 7 percent — the third increase this year. If you feel people’s pain, stop that increase. Do not distract people with “we cut presidential perks” while raising their bills.

¶ 04 You talk about crushing the underworld, but we daily get news alerts of shootings. Act — name the politicians involved and enforce the law against them, even if among the 225 here. Do not just do a TV show.

¶ 05 And about those 323 containers — what was in them? If two contained such items, what about the rest — drugs, arms, gold? Please stop short‑term PR and start the work needed to take this country forward. I conclude.

¶ 06 Thank you.