The Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 Why impose Emergency? An Hon. Member said the President went to Kandy to assist the victims. Think a bit: he went in two choppers—one for the President, another as backup. Under Emergency, that is acceptable; we agreed with doing what was necessary, though earlier we were told otherwise. Now what we said is being done.

¶ 03 It was the same with education reforms. We said do not vulgarize; we were against obscenity but in favour of reform. If you cannot understand that, how do you govern?

¶ 04 Your leader’s former leader, Somawansa Amarasinghe of the JVP, said to work gradually to build hegemony. We said the same—work consistently, not occasionally. Every day there is something new from you; answering all of it is a challenge.

¶ 05 On Independence Day, you brought war heroes to parade, yet you said war equipment brought on credit must not be displayed. Remember, war heroes are honoured when they march with their equipment. You sit in these chairs thanks to the merit earned by those who saved the country. But you stopped speeches praising their sacrifices and switched to talking about the “Ditva” cyclone.

¶ 06 Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka was with us then; you were on the other side. Please get your minds clear.

¶ 07 You treat war heroes and police poorly and then build Prabhakaran’s house. Have you built houses for those orphaned by the “Ditva” cyclone?

¶ 08 [Interruption by Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna: “We do not need it; if needed, we will build our houses.”]

¶ 09 Yet you rebuild Prabhakaran’s house—shameful. Listen carefully to that MP’s words and be ashamed.

¶ 10 Now see: the Indian Navy hit our fishermen in our waters. Do you not have the spine to confront India? Did you take proper measures? Did you even visit the fishermen? A government must stand tall before any country.

¶ 11 On the Easter Sunday attacks, you said Zahran was in India; then said he was not there but alive elsewhere. If he lives, is he being hidden by you? We know cases are being rushed; do not conclude judicial processes while the mastermind remains hidden. Do not deceive the people. Under Emergency, remember to act properly on these matters. Do not use Emergency to frighten individuals, social media users or MPs for your own ends; if you do, you will face major problems.

¶ 12 We also saw social media reports about an Hon. MP from Puttalam linked to an audio clip. I too have it on my phone. But we tell that media: we will not use a private audio to destroy an MP’s character. We tell the President: you came as a clean team; protect that reputation. Find who did this and how.

¶ 13 Remember, your “saplings” are turning into wild shrubs. As that happens, more issues will join. When we move forward, you will see “interesting games.”

¶ 14 [Time reminder]

¶ 15 In closing, there is a saying: “It is not good when it arrives; the girl in the sack goes home.” Think of what comes next: “One of the 159 is coming to your house; lock your doors.” I urge vigilance.