The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi

¶ 01 That Member has made a very cruel statement. Soon he might even lose his bail. He has come to Parliament today to talk about their conduct and DOB. I tell him: do not get ready to break fences around empty houses. Do not drag us to talk about your misconduct and that of your lineage. We will not stoop to that level. We do not do that sort of spitting game nor speak in that manner.

¶ 02 A short while ago, he said something about DOD: that principals engaged in politics and now there are investigations against them. For 76 years in this country, principals, directors and teachers campaigned without even taking leave, canvassing and bringing people in to talk. We must say that too. Such shameless acts have been done from their side as well.

¶ 03 Let me also remind: the Leader of the SJB, Mr. Sajith Premadasa — and those running behind him — went rushing to Tissamaharama, to Ranminithenna school, and addressed the children as “Friends.” This is the “example” they set. The whole country knows how they interfered with children, schools and principals. But I will not reopen that past.

¶ 04 He also claimed our policy statement says students would be taught until 4.00 p.m. I ask the Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi, please state to this House at what time you attended school. In 99% of cases, schools run from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. So do not tell blatant lies to mislead people.

¶ 05 He further said we claimed tuition would be stopped. No, we never utter such irresponsible words or level such baseless accusations. We have always made sacrifices for education and will continue to do so. When we extend support and assistance to children to uplift them, those gentlemen who claim to speak for the “best for children” only work to sabotage such efforts. Mr. Dilip Wedaarachchi never learns lessons. At least if he listened to the President’s speech this morning, he would not utter such vile, baseless statements again.

¶ 06 Hon. Presiding Member, we are on a journey that no one can stop. We are accountable to the people, not to them — that is what we are saying now. Before and after 21 September, before and after 14 November, the SJB leaders and followers hurled insults, slanders, childish antics and pressures. I recall their Leader said, “He is only a talker; no work.” Although he is not in the House now, I say to him: the same person he called a “talker” has, with the people’s will, become President with a massive vote. Under his leadership, on 14 November we achieved a historic victory for the first time in history. Though we did not even ask for a two-thirds majority, the people gave us even more — for the first time, a governing strength of 159 seats to build a stable Parliament. Therefore, whatever irresponsible words you hurl, we will not allow you to stop this journey. Do not even think of it out of fear. We will not be arrogant with this mandate, nor will we allow you to distort it. Likewise, we will not pressure this Government, nor allow anyone to do so. This people’s mandate is etched in our hearts. We will honor it and deliver justice — I say this clearly to that Member’s Leader and followers.

¶ 07 Everyone knows the rules and privileges of Parliament very well. They know the Standing Orders; they know everything perfectly. Knowing all this, what do those who have lost it all do? They try to unsettle us, obstruct us, cut across us, put up barriers. Hon. Presiding Member, I tell them we will not submit to any of that. Even if dogs bark, the caravan moves on — I remind them of that.

¶ 08 I must also note that this is a special moment in our country. Today we are approving a very valuable intervention for our children. Under the present economic crisis, 53.2% of our children have foregone purchasing school stationery altogether. That is today’s tragedy. A further 26.1% are reusing previously used stationery. How tragic is that? This is the current fate of our children after 76 years of both sides governing together.

¶ 09 Fifty‑seven years ago, I studied in Grade 4 at Kadura Pokuna Maha Vidyalaya with my Hambantota friend Premasiri. He wrote all subjects in one book — erasing with a piece of chalk because he had no eraser — writing and wiping, writing and wiping. That was the tragedy then. Today, 26.1% reuse old stationery and some children cannot afford even a single book or exercise. Let me add one more point.

¶ 10 In 1992, at Kolladeniya School in the District represented by Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, I was teaching Social Studies to an 11th Year class. For 45 minutes I taught my lesson. I noticed a girl hiding her face, looking at me. After class I checked her book — for all 5 pages she had written only the letters “A, Ka, Ra, Ba, Ya,” repeating “akarabaya.” By the time she came to Year 11, the school’s teachers and authorities had not taught her to read letters. That is a school in the district represented by Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara. Today, those gentlemen forget all that and even oppose the relief we are giving these children.

¶ 11 Therefore, I say: they must unconditionally say “Of course” to this. With the funds we allocate for our children, we will give the highest support to sustain their education and uplift them. With that clear statement, I conclude. Thank you.