The Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we are discussing several regulations and orders made under four special Acts which we are, by law, required to consider. Some of these have notable qualitative aspects.

¶ 02 While discussing these proposals, we must also focus on regulating certain activities, maintaining quality services, and ensuring state revenue. These are the proposals related to these Acts before us today.

¶ 03 Hon. Presiding Member, meanwhile we observe that some in the Opposition appear to arrive from wherever they are, speak for the evening news, and use various labels for the same matter. A short while ago an Opposition Member spoke about the Peradeniya incident. The Hon. Prime Minister gave a clear explanation this morning as to what happened there, the Government’s position, and the actions being taken. A Government Member also clarified it subsequently. Yet, the same questions are asked over and over again.

¶ 04 Many here have represented student movements. We were in them; we led them. We know student movements well—the right to free expression, to engage in politics, to struggle. Even when we say repeatedly that nothing of the kind happened under our Government, they keep bringing it up again and again. I feel this is for the 7 p.m. or 10 p.m. bulletins. Do not come and try to teach us about student movements.