The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 So then, those who opposed this group were punished, while saying that even if they stole, they did something for the country — built roads, expressways, airports. That is what is being said now, Hon. Speaker. We know how Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe saved them and kept their government intact. The right to create Rajapaksas is vested in the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna. In the end, to make the country’s citizens understand, those who claimed they would resolve the entire economic crisis have brought everything to a place where it can be destroyed through legislation.

¶ 02 [At this stage, the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake entered the Chamber.]

¶ 03 At this point, the Hon. President entered the House. Please tell us the practical program to deliver everything you promised the people. We know you will now speak for about two hours, and in those two hours you will, as always, speak movingly about the people’s real problems — you are very skilled at that. But, Hon. President, these have not become practical. You speak as if you truly understand the people’s real, everyday, practical problems; now create a program that plants those solutions firmly on the ground.

¶ 04 We saw this while in the Opposition. We discussed these matters with you. When we came to Parliament, we too were taken in by your conduct and eloquence, Hon. President. But we cannot be deceived any longer. Your time has come. Now they call you “Hummingbird.” So, tell the country about the program that sweetly distributes honey like a hummingbird — a plan that actually gives the relief the people need. Hoarding revenue at home will not work. What are the reliefs to the worker, to the child going to school? When will their medicines be provided and how? You said relief would be given in the first Budget. If not, then tell us how the essential resources will be distributed to the people from the revenue received. Do not recreate the era of political deals and games that plunged this country into chaos. I remind you, Hon. Speaker, that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya has the courage, strength, backbone, and unity to stand against that.