The Hon. M. S. Uthumalebbe

¶ 01 Please give me an opportunity. I am talking about an issue faced by the people of our Ampara District.

¶ 02 Because the 13.8 million rupees due so far have not been paid, during the recent floods people could not obtain dry rations on credit. Therefore, please settle the arrears from last year and resolve the problems of the people in Akkaraipattu, Addalaichenai, Lahugala, and Pottuvil.

¶ 03 Next, let us look at our country’s politics. Those who created racism have all perished because of racism. I listened carefully to the inaugural address delivered in this House by the Hon. President. He spoke fairly—saying there is no difference between Government and Opposition; let us build this country; let us safeguard the dignity of this Parliament. At that time, indeed, we too felt there was no divide between Government and Opposition. But when I look at certain incidents today, I feel sorrow. You must understand something.

¶ 04 Those who made people suffer, those who created racism, those who ruined the economy—none of them are in this Parliament now. Not on this side, nor on that side. Yet we sometimes argue over the old political order. Look at the Presidents who governed this country. Chandrika Kumaratunga was President; the Tamil and Muslim people gave her great support hoping she would resolve the ethnic issue. But she did not. She served two terms and left. Then Mahinda Rajapaksa became President; he ended the 30-year war and carried out massive development. But he did not resolve the ethnic question.

¶ 05 After him came Maithripala Sirisena—he did nothing and left as President. After that, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was “just there,” was appointed President through this Parliament. He deceived everyone—Sinhalese, Muslims, Tamils, leaders—and now stands representing the “Gas Cylinder” symbol. You have now come to power promising a new change in this country. This is a historic event. In the last Presidential Election, in the Kalmunai electorate of Ampara District you obtained nearly 9,000 votes; in Sammanthurai nearly 8,000; and in Pottuvil nearly 9,000 votes.