The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees, during the Hon. Member’s speech, he mentioned the name of the Governor of the Western Province and levelled certain allegations. We wish to state very clearly that the Governor of the Western Province is a distinguished personality of this country. He was appointed not because he is a member of our party. The leaders of every major political party and the business community of this country know him, and so do the people. He was not appointed to do business with the Government, nor does he do business with the Government. I do not know who paid for what. However, it is completely wrong to bring such baseless allegations against him. He is not in this House; he is a leading citizen of this country. Therefore, I needed to give a brief clarification.

¶ 02 The previous Member also said that bills regarding the expenditure on Clean Sri Lanka will be presented. We hope he will present them. Even if a philanthropist bears costs, Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees, what does that prove? We have done things without spending Government money, saving even 5 percent to the State. The Hon. Member himself said so. He can present facts. Therefore, do not act on mere hearsay. If one is speaking about a leading public official who is not in this House, one must speak with greater responsibility. Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees, please deduct the time I used from the Government side. Thank you very much.