The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the previous Member raised issues about the “shopping bag” remark. I wish to clarify: neither the National People’s Power (NPP) nor any Member representing the NPP has ever, at any time, demeaned those displaced during the war from Mannar or elsewhere. This narrative has been used in politics to raise funds and for political advantage, not for any good purpose. Do not exploit such matters for partisan gain; let us be fair-minded.

¶ 02 The “shopping bag” remark, as we understand it, was directed at those who turned politics into a business and enriched themselves wrongly—not at the innocent who were expelled within hours and unjustly suffered. The NPP bears no ill-feeling towards the affected people; we clearly understand their hardships and challenges to this day.

¶ 03 We recently held local government elections under major challenges and slander. The dear people of Sri Lanka, including the Muslim community, placed their trust in us and gave us a notable victory. Despite efforts by some to incite and pressure Muslims against the government, the people maintained trust and voted for us—we are grateful.

¶ 04 On campaign stages we saw some so-called national leaders falling to a low level of criticism. Yet we conducted politics respectfully. Compared to usual behavior in past local polls, this time the people gave us a special victory. We will study the results, analyze, and unite all to move forward, building a strong foundation.

¶ 05 We can be proud of our people’s conduct during and after the election—peaceful, protecting the culture of coexistence. In the past, after elections, there was celebratory violence; this time, we preserved peace.

¶ 06 From the start, fearmongering said: if NPP wins, the country will become a river of blood. They tried to create fear and push voters away from us. That lie trapped them after our first victory.

¶ 07 Tragically, power-seekers have long used racism to stir divisions and erode trust. We in the NPP have always been cautious—building national harmony, peace, and mutual trust—in and outside the campaign. Some parties, fearing loss of power, again incited racism within their small bases; shameful behavior we all saw on social media and elsewhere.

¶ 08 On global conflicts like Palestine–Israel, our prayer must be for rapid peace—never to exploit conflicts for political gain. Sadly, some tried to twist even such moments for local electoral benefit.

¶ 09 We won the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government elections. I invite the Opposition: join as Sri Lankans to set the country on the right course. Vesak dawns soon; may we heal turmoil and build a peaceful environment for all.

¶ 10 Despite media channels trying to sow discord and distrust, at the recent Sacred Tooth Relic exposition we saw the public’s love for peace, compassion, and unity. Let us channel that fraternity to guide the country rightly. Thank you.