The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi

¶ 01 We will certainly expel them from our parties. Though the JVP/NPP has more “seats,” they are acting like a party defeated in the country without people’s power.

¶ 02 On Provincial Council elections: our people want them held under the same system used previously. You oppose PC elections. I recall in 1988-89 when PC elections were held, your then leaders coached schoolchildren to chant “We don’t want Provincial Councils.” I recall the incident at Tangalle Central College where two A/L students, Wasantha and Prasanna, were shot at a junction when the army intervened after your agitation—leaders hid while the innocents died. Their parents still grieve. You fear Provincial Councils. We insist: hold the PC elections; we will show our strength.

¶ 03 On Tangalle Municipal Council: within a month of the Chairman’s appointment, the Secretary led 22 staff on a tour with approval—administrative officers, development officers, office assistants, management assistants, health workers, labourers—all went. You cannot grant such holidays to the officials who run a city. Due to this ignorance, an accident occurred at Ella: several died and nine were injured. This council must be held accountable. Conduct a disciplinary inquiry against the Chairman and into how leave was granted.