The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva

¶ 01 With your leave, Hon. Deputy Chairperson, I will use my short time fully. “Even if the attacker is rude, the responder need not be rude,” someone wrote on social media. The responder’s civility is not due to orders or guidance; we are civil due to our upbringing, political vision and philosophy.

¶ 02 A certain MP made a remark about me, not in Parliament or at school, but in a free setting. That statement revealed his inner self. He belittled my understanding, knowledge and intellect. I would not be hurt if someone from an unknown foreign university or a stranger said it. But this was someone who came to us pleading “aiyye, aiyye,” playing political dramas. It hurts to hear from such a person insults about my visual impairment, my understanding and vision. I can hold someone’s hand and say who it is — that is our skill as visually impaired. But we cannot feel and name the blades, glass shards or barbed wire hidden in someone’s chest. If I could, I would never shake his hand mistakenly.

¶ 03 Next: the so-called 70-year curse. I speak of the 76-year period and even of 2,500 years of history with due knowledge; I do not sow hatred. The orator finally says, “When they are beaten, they won’t find their way.” Is this not hatred? Is this not incitement to violence against MPs of the NPP or JVP? Who is sowing hatred? Who is inciting violence? My anger and pain are justified.

¶ 04 In the 1978 Constitution, what term is used for people like me with disabilities? “Abala nagnathun” — weak and helpless. Is that not painful? The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 28 of 1996 has not become a reality; rights are not realized. Eight years earlier, in 1988, a Public Administration Circular granted 3 percent of Government jobs to persons with disabilities. After so long, it is still unrealized — should we not feel pain? In 2003, a disability policy came — never implemented. In 2014, a National Action Plan approved by Cabinet — not implemented. Is this not a curse?