Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 It is said we do not speak about the Easter Sunday attacks. We have also seen times when the Easter tragedy was wielded like a hot iron bar for political advantage. Gotabaya Rajapaksa used it in his campaign to construct a narrative on national security. Likewise, in the recent presidential election, a key plank in Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s campaign was “finding the culprits” of Easter. Both camps used Easter for political gain. Our position in Samagi Jana Balawegaya is clear: do not politicize Easter. Let an independent, impartial process identify the culprits and enforce the law. We will extend full support. If Ibrahim Nana gave funds, do not ignore that either—apply the law equally.

¶ 03 Some say the Rajapaksas committed thefts and manipulations to gain power. Did SJB stand on their platforms? Never. It was the JVP/NPP leadership that played a central role in making the Rajapaksas Presidents and leaders—campaigning openly for them. Now they blame others. If the Rajapaksas wronged the nation, the JVP must bear its share of responsibility for bringing them to power.

¶ 04 On the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund: we do not oppose it; we ask to regularize it legally. The Finance Ministry officials themselves say the fund is not legally constituted. More seriously, not even five cents of donor money for the “Dittachchi” disaster has been spent while victims still languish in camps. Private sector and ordinary people helped; even children broke piggy banks. Why has this money not been used? Why not put the mechanism on a legal footing and get on with it?

¶ 05 On the economy: the Government blames the Middle East war. The crisis began earlier; you have been in power two years. The dollar moved from Rs. 290 to about Rs. 340. Fundamentals are deteriorating: exports down; tourist arrivals slowing; import costs higher; dollar inflows down; outflows up. If Middle East tensions also reduce worker remittances, the situation will worsen. People cannot live: electricity and fuel prices higher; cost of living up; incomes stagnant. Implement a credible plan. People will not endure much longer; if you fail to govern, the fate of the last government will be yours.

¶ 06 Thank you.