The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, this is regarding a breach of my privilege.

¶ 02 As people’s representatives, the responsibility entrusted to us by the people is to serve them without fail through the democratic governance they have vested in us.

¶ 03 Following the recent local government elections, I received an anonymous letter instructing me, as a public representative, not to work to establish control in the Medawachchiya and Kebithigollewa Pradeshiya Sabhas in a manner that grants power to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, and threatening to take my life if I did so; and also instructing me to refrain from issuing statements criticizing the Government. I have lodged a complaint with the Anuradhapura Police regarding this, and I hereby inform you of the death threats.

¶ 04 Hon. Speaker, as an Opposition public representative, our duty is to fulfill the aspirations of the people and to work within a democratic framework to gain power. It should not require us to pay with our lives.

¶ 05 At present, many parties, including those with a majority of members, have the ability to form control in the above local authorities. We are currently in discussions with other groups and individuals to take necessary steps to form control. At such a time, anonymous death threats that also intimidate me and members of my family have deprived a public representative like me, who serves the people, of freedom of speech and the freedom to act as a representative. Therefore, as these threats undermine not only our security but also democratic rights and privileges, I kindly request that this matter be looked into, appropriate action taken, and that it be referred to the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges.

¶ 06 Hon. Speaker,—[Interruption]