The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, no one here seeks special consideration for being a woman. We ask only for respect. If Hon. Dayasiri wishes, he can take time and speak later; but we know his habits.

¶ 02 Let us speak about something more important. Yesterday was our Independence Day, 4th February. Today, I heard many wrong narratives from some Members, attacking the Independence celebration linking it to racism and belittling our Tri-Forces. We must understand: this country paid a huge price to defeat extremism. A 30-year war damaged our economic development, culture, and inter-ethnic relations. Leaders of all parties bear responsibility to end racist politics and not exploit it. Sadly, some in the Opposition still plan politics by dividing people along ethnicity, religion and culture. They attempt to portray Sinhala Buddhists as prone to their racist, corrupt politics. That is false. The people of this country—Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim—are moral, compassionate and respectful.

¶ 03 Hon. Namal Rajapaksa spoke today as if he alone stands for the nation and the Sangha, yet he could not even get elected from the South recently. Those who bankrupted the country now come targeting Sinhala Buddhist sentiment while committing wrongs in the name of Buddhism. Our people are ethical and caring—as seen during the disaster response to Cyclone “Michaung.” Do not insult them with divisive rhetoric.

¶ 04 Education reform slanders were withdrawn because mothers and fathers across villages opposed indecent proposals. Now similar slander is hurled at the Speaker. The mandate given at the last election was against racism, for dignity and honesty—to stand straight before the world. Our armed forces and the Buddhist clergy will not and did not fall prey to racism. They have self-respect and compassion.