The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, based on the COPE report, there are indeed many who must be punished—no doubt. If anyone has committed an offence, they must be punished. But today, while politicians who erred remain, officials are imprisoned—a tragic situation. The Government must pay attention.

¶ 03 Do not waste time branding everyone as corrupt; if someone has done wrong, punish them. You have been in Government seven months.

¶ 04 After Israel’s egregious attack on Iran, global markets have been affected, and countries like Sri Lanka fear for the future with rising risks. While many nations condemned Israel’s reckless attack, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry issued a childish note treating it as a mere dispute between two countries, merely “expressing concern.” I recall that when the late Mangala Samaraweera, as Foreign Minister, took a decision against Palestine, then President Mahinda Rajapaksa removed him from office. The Foreign Ministry cannot act arbitrarily; if it does, the Government must rein it in.

¶ 05 After our war ended, when we lacked money to buy crude oil, Iran provided USD 250 million without formal agreements. More than a decade later, we are still repaying that debt, at USD 5 million a month. Israel is now attacking a country that helped us, and Iran is retaliating in self-defence. If the Government lacks the strength to oppose Israel’s wrongdoing, at least show the moral courage to call it wrong. In Opposition, you spoke passionately; with 159 MPs now, why can you not call out Israel’s act?

¶ 06 Regarding a remark made by Hon. Athambawa about Nintavur Pradeshiya Sabha: if wrongdoing occurred there, why did the people not elect his party’s former chairman to Parliament? The voters rejected him; he entered via the National List. Verify facts before levelling accusations, and raise them in the proper forum.

¶ 07 While people are being killed in Iran and Israel commits injustice, do not use this House to slander individuals. If you do, the electoral result will be worse for you in future.

¶ 08 In Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha, our ACMC’s Ashiq was poised to be Chairman with majority support. On the eve of the vote, a supporting member, Naufi, was abducted under the guise of 51 and Police involvement, held at a Police station and prevented from voting. Consequently, a National People’s Power member won by one vote. We will seek redress in court.

¶ 09 Thank you.