The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, today the President set an example—he used a helicopter to go to Kandy for the first time. I applaud that. Security protocol means two helicopters may fly; that is proper for a Head of State.

¶ 02 Next, to my colleague Chaminda Wijesiri: in 1988 you were a child; I was 18. Those now in the front row of the JVP were then pushing youths to the streets to be burned on tyres, under the banner of Indian expansionism. Today, the same group cozies up to India. In 1988–89, about 60,000 of our classmates were killed. Those souls must be watching while this Government cultivates unprecedented dependence on India—beyond any prior administration. Shame.

¶ 03 Back then, Emergency was extended to enable repression. If Emergency is for rule of law, then let it apply equally: are all under the rule of law, or only the Opposition? We see double standards for powerful figures. Do not preach rule of law on Independence Day while practising otherwise.

¶ 04 I also note issues of Civil Security Department recruits from the North and East being sent South and not paid fairly, and the unresolved grievances of graduates despite a gazetted teachers’ exam. These need attention.