The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chair.

¶ 02 The Deputy Minister spoke of expansion; that is good. That is why we began building terminals back then, though you opposed them with protests. I am glad you now endorse and seek to expand them.

¶ 03 But you also know the international implications when red-labelled containers are released. You have released 323 such containers without proper investigations. Two containers flagged internationally for narcotics were also released. Your Government investigates through your newspapers, not through proper processes. Better you pass a new “Political Revenge Bill” combining the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Public Property Act to haul in all — even the former Deputy Secretary-General — rather than dragging the Speaker into difficulty.

¶ 04 On Independence Day, you could not proudly speak of the forces that ended terrorism. Around the world, nations proudly recount their brigades’ victories. Here, you reduce it to 21-gun salutes and avoid honouring units and sacrifices. Defeating LTTE terrorism was not racism; we did not fight the Tamil people; we defeated terrorists — a feat the world thought impossible. If the Head of State lacks the spine to acknowledge that on Independence Day, what more can be said?

¶ 05 This Government disrespects religious leaders. Ministers publicly attack them. In our society, that is wrong. Be humble and accept it.

¶ 06 Also look at the fishermen’s issue: within Sri Lankan waters, our fishermen are assaulted. Costs are high; promised tech like SMS fish-location never materialized. Now, we see claims that it was not the Indian Coast Guard or Navy; that Sinhala and Tamil speakers were among attackers. Are these Government-nurtured organized criminals? If the Navy cannot even display strength on National Day, can it protect our fishermen? The Government must ensure their safety.

¶ 07 Cyclone-hit people are still suffering; even cheques given at ceremonies have bounced. Have those been funded?