The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 In addition, please allow me one more minute, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 You cannot even open your mouths to call a war hero a war hero. On Independence Day you cannot speak of the service rendered by war heroes. But if there is a strike or a protest in a state institution, if there is to be a so-called “legal action,” you are happy to use the war heroes to crack down. Yet, you will not say “war hero.” You forbid speaking of winning the war. Shame on you—not on me, but on you. But when something happens—if there is a cyclone, a storm, if there is a strike by coconuts, if buses strike—who do you run to? To the Tri-Forces and the Police, asking for help. During the “Dittha” cyclone as well, that is what happened. But you cannot honor them or speak for them. Your effort is to suppress, to frighten, and thus run your Government.

¶ 03 We saw your view of doctors. They speak of their rights and have demands. You must listen. You have a responsibility to listen. But instead of listening, what do you do? You say “Tell the doctors to try protesting,” or “Let’s see their industrial action; let the people see.” That is how you egged on the struggle—stirred it up—threw 12 people to the wolves. During the struggle, you incited people onto the streets, a Member of Parliament was killed, and 12 were finally hanged from trees. In the end, those who orchestrated it took power. After that, no one spoke for those people. Therefore, do not view this with petty-mindedness. We must lift this country’s economy, rebuild society, uplift people’s lives, and proceed with a clear vision.

¶ 04 You uprooted wild saplings and brought 159 flower saplings, saying—