The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa

¶ 01 I will conclude briefly, Hon. Deputy Chairperson. This is my final minute.

¶ 02 We believe parties that sow communalism and religious bigotry, and thrive on bankrupt politics, are no longer needed by the people. The East no longer needs a Rauff Hakeem to “protect” Muslims, nor do Tamils need ethnocentric parties to “protect” them. People now feel safe as if watched over by their own parents.

¶ 03 Regarding floods raised by a colleague: after the floods we visited the affected areas. As the NPP, we cleaned and sanitized eight schools including RK Vidyalaya in Akkarapattu, and helped clean homes and doorways. As Government, the District Secretary and officials were convened to plan next steps. Delays occurred due to past institutional weaknesses, rigid procedures and circulars, and lack of equipment and resources. We regret the inconvenience to the people, but we are acting swiftly to institute efficient interventions. With that assurance, and reaffirming our resolve to win with this policy framework and transform the country, I conclude. Thank you.