The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, for many days our Teacher Development Officers undertook a fast. Alongside that, a Gazette was issued for the teachers’ exam on the 2nd of this month. Even there, a group of graduates has been left out. Applications are allowed only for those who completed their degrees between 10.02.2023 and 30.06.2025. But there are graduates who completed by 31st December as well. Their request is to allow them too. Please amend the Gazette so that no one is left behind, at least up to the end of 2025, enabling them to secure opportunities.

¶ 02 Many speakers today made accusations—about racism, gender, theft and corruption. When the President spoke on Independence Day, it felt like he said the 76-year curse had ended and that after two years we are celebrating Independence. Was our 78th celebration about Independence or about liberation after the cyclone? Our heroic forces resuscitated roads, rescued people and reached inaccessible places during “Michaung.” On Independence Day, we must speak with honour and pride about the soldiers and officers who ended the 30-year war by sacrificing their lives.

¶ 03 Looking back, some here sold their 400,000 votes from time to time to different camps. Now you govern. With 159 seats and a two-thirds majority, stop the deal-making politics and act responsibly. Do not play to the diaspora or stir racism. The President said in Jaffna that people from the South come North to spread racism. If so, why do so many from the South go to Anuradhapura on weekends? To venerate Ruwanweliseya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Do not see even that through a racist lens. The same President who said “please, be quiet” in Parliament speaks elsewhere about the need to move together as a team—mixed messages.

¶ 04 If the law is equal for all, then act equally. Earlier, media hype dragged many before the FCID and CID. Now allegations have come to your side too—about coal, about inappropriate education reforms, and now allegations against the Hon. Speaker regarding misuse of fuel. A former Chief Minister of the North Central Province and his Private Secretary are serving 20 years in prison over misuse of about Rs. 2 million worth of fuel in State vehicles. If the same allegation now rests with the head of this august Assembly—the third citizen—can he continue in the Chair while investigations proceed? If the law is equal, ask him to step aside temporarily until inquiries conclude, and if exonerated, resume duties. Otherwise, are his decisions valid?

¶ 05 You now attack Mahinda Rajapaksa here. But who made the Rajapaksas? You once held up “Chinthana” books and called him the saviour and father of the nation. If mistakes were made, accept them humbly. Do not sell the country for political deals like selling your votes, nor bend to diaspora money. With that reminder, I conclude. Thank you.