Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 We came after you; now why are you turning against us? I even admitted there are drug dealers; let anyone raise a hand and say I am a drug dealer. I even said I am a thief. In the end, I too was cast out. I have become a burden to you. I even went to the Deputy Minister’s office and spoke for several days. Finally, I was called a drug dealer as well. Those who came to help you are being driven away by you. When you push us away, we become opposed to you. That is what has happened.

¶ 02 Today, look: 1,500 to 2,000 doctors, and similarly consultants, are leaving the country. You proposed to give a car permit in 2028 or so. Think about this: a doctor in SL Grade 1—I am a doctor too. The Deputy Minister of Health is in this House. A GA without an SL Grade goes in a cab. What about us? We take a loan of Rs. 1.5 million, buy a vehicle, and then we also get branded as thieves. In other countries, they earn around Rs. 8 million. Here our salary is Rs. 200,000. How can a doctor live here? Even though I have passed out, can I buy a car? Please, consider this. We give you our fullest support.

¶ 03 What did I say on my first day here? I said I am ready to die for Anura Kumara Dissanayake. In the end, I was called a drug dealer. They chased me and filed cases against me. But if you want to be sent home, I can easily do that in the North—even today. What happened at the Local Government elections? Can you even hold a Provincial Council election now? Do you have anyone in the North? There are four people. Tell them to keep their mouths shut. We will save you in the North. I will save you in the North. I do not want positions—neither Deputy Minister nor Minister. I said in the DCC that I will work as an MO. At the DCC meeting, I was abused as mad. Please listen to what I am saying. I do not want to topple your Government to bring these people in.