The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, many now say we lack fuel because of the Iran–Israel issue. Let me clarify one thing. I did not get fuel today. I do not say this to shame the Government. Typically, if someone brings tourists from the North to Katunayake, they must rest in Anuradhapura because 15 liters get used up, and then wait a week to get tourists from Anuradhapura to Katunayake, then rest another week at Katunayake, then another week in Chaavakachcheri, and only with another 15 liters can they go from Vavuniya to Jaffna. It can take a month to cover 400 km from North to South.

¶ 02 I did not ask for fuel for myself. I have a BYD Sealion 6; I can charge and run it. I spoke about innocent people who hire vehicles to carry tourists, not about myself. I can get any number of vehicles from the diaspora. Do not misunderstand. I was speaking about the poor three‑wheeler drivers who voted. Some claim they travel by bus and train—I will believe it when I see it daily for a month.

¶ 03 I do not need your petrol. I did not even pump fuel during COVID; I was at the hospital and then returned home. I have a BYD; I don’t need fuel. I am asking: how will farmers get 40 liters a month? Talk about that.

¶ 04 I have filed six cases against corruption. Even the President once said he would be truthful outside if not here. Has any of those complaints been investigated? I complained about Rs. 30 million at Tellippalai Hospital and Rs. 17 million at Chavakachcheri Hospital with documents. What has been done? We must act on these, not just talk for 18 minutes and leave. I regret leaving my medical profession to come here if nothing moves. Please think of the people. Thank you.