The Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Two ice containers came out from under your government. If so, shouldn’t you take decisions about how these two containers were released? Can’t this be found? On the very day they arrived and were released, who were the BOG officers, how did this happen, and who gave the orders? All these can be brought to light. It does not need a long time. Why is no one talking about it? People talk about politicians; if politicians are involved, bring them, talk, and mete out the necessary punishment. That is fine. You even dragged people to Galle Face. Fine. But remember, these two containers came out under your government. In what manner were they released? Along with container 323, weren’t others also let out? Provide clear answers and conduct proper investigations.

¶ 02 Especially when you speak about audit, have a proper plan and give clear answers to the people about what happens internally. There is a special concern that you avoid answering and run away. I remind you of that as well.

¶ 03 Hon. Deputy Speaker, why did we bring a motion of no-confidence? We did not, in one breath, label the Minister wrong and bring a no-confidence motion. We did so because, led by the Cardinal and particularly the Catholic Church—which is under Rome headed by His Holiness the Pope—everyone desires that the mastermind of the Easter Sunday attacks and all related matters be revealed and that punishments be given. You still have not answered about the investigation into Ibrahim, a former National List MP from your side. Ibrahim funded it. How much money did he spend? There is still no disclosure. No one speaks of that. We spoke of the no-confidence motion because even the Catholic Church agreed. Everyone wanted transparency in these matters.

¶ 04 Therefore, tell your Government Parliamentary Group to ask the Speaker to do it properly. We asked for two reports: the Attorney-General’s report and the report given by the Secretary to the Cabinet. We only asked to be shown those. Why were MPs chased out after hiding them in a drawer? MPs are here for the rights of the people, not for play or to show off. We came to ask for those two reports, not merely to bring a no-confidence motion. We asked yesterday; we asked today. Because they are not being shown, Members came down. Not for any other reason. Why? Because the Speaker violates the privileges of Members of this august Parliament by not giving them that opportunity or right. We, too, are elected by votes, and we are accountable to our people.

¶ 05 Let me remind you: each time a crisis arises, you try to halt democracy in Parliament by creating some other issue. But that cannot be allowed. If so, remove the entire Opposition and run Parliament yourselves—that is what you seem to want.

¶ 06 Hon. Deputy Speaker, regarding the Easter attacks, you are again playing games—putting Pillayan up front and parading him for show while moving things forward. This is deceitful and wronging the people. End this. On one side, you put forward Pillayan; on the other, you speak of someone abroad and paint a rosy picture. Remember, there is a Catholic Church headed by the Pope in Rome. If you do not act on this transparently, we are prepared to go to the Holy Father. As Catholics, we expect to exert pressure so that this Government answers transparently. It is our right and also the right of the entire country to get a firm answer and a solution. Children were blown to pieces inside a church. Where did it happen? You will now say this government did it then, another did it now—that is not the point. Whenever or however it happened, there must be a solution. Your government has been in power for a year. You won, particularly by selling that event in Catholic areas.

¶ 07 Please implement a programme to resolve this matter. Do not hide it and toy with the public further. With that message, I conclude. Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity.