The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the time. While we have heard of crocodile tears, today many on the Government side are shedding them. You speak of fishers, yet last night you increased kerosene and diesel prices. As the previous speaker knows, fuel is the main cost driver in fisheries. You hike fuel prices, then make tall claims about fisher services and their future—society now seriously doubts you.

¶ 02 For example, the President claimed from platforms that fish locations would be sent by SMS. Has any such SMS gone to Kalmunai or Jaffna fishers? You spin fairy tales but people see none of it.

¶ 03 Cyclone “Dicha” has now left citizens fearful. The President stood here boasting of relief; we saw destitute victims with our own eyes. They ask us whether those promises will be delivered. We see no delivery.

¶ 04 In our province, due to landslides in Passara area, at Mattigahathenne a person named Ratnayake Mudiyanselage Sirisena’s house was totally destroyed. They promised Rs. 500,000, and Rs. 1,000,000 if uninhabitable. When will the money be paid? Our district has MPs, Ministers, and a State Minister. In Hathe Kanuwa, Udukumbura, Maligathenna, Medawelagama, when people submit forms, officials say, “You weren’t residing there.” If he was at home at that moment, he would be dead. That’s his registered residence. Please ensure fairness.

¶ 05 Another case: W.H.M. Subhadra of Rajanganaya, Ranaviru Mawatha, Yaya 1, Anuradhapura—her house was completely carried away by floods. The Grama Niladhari acknowledges she was in a shelter and received supplies. But for her child to attend school, she is temporarily staying elsewhere. The President said maximum relief would be given irrespective of residence. Where is it? Make it real; don’t play politics over disaster victims.

¶ 06 On education, what conspiracy? Would you send your child to school to learn obscenities from porn sites? Those who promote LGBT topics just to destroy JVP/NPP from within placed such content in the education module. It was an internal conspiracy to oust their female leader.

¶ 07 [Expunged on the order of the Chair.]

¶ 08 You have been in power for a year and five months. Your shows and conduct have alienated society. Some who claim to be NPP are actually JVP—their salaries go to the JVP party fund. Do not be deceived.

¶ 09 We in the Samagi Jana Balawegaya will build a competent team to rebuild the economy. I conclude.