The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees.

¶ 02 The Deputy Minister’s position is not the President’s position. Do you condemn the U.S. strike on Iran? Do you condemn Israel’s strike? You did not. As for those who once loudly cheered drone strikes and extremist rhetoric—many of them sit in front rows today.

¶ 03 It appears the Government seeks to use Emergency as a shield to cover theft, deceit and incapacity. The Essential Services Commissioner‑General issued circulars and Gazettes to deliver relief after “Ditwah,” with funds allocated and timelines set. The President and Government leaders boast that mechanisms are in place. If so, why extend Emergency further? Are those Gazettes invalid without this extension? If yes, say so and we will consider supporting. But you have not explained any new regulation being added—only waving a weapon to intimidate, while covering up coal scams and other corruption.

¶ 04 The Public Enterprises Committee Chair defends the coal deals despite obvious operational failures at Norochcholai. Positions should not be used to whitewash wrongdoing. I call on him to resign until this is properly investigated and rectified.

¶ 05 Meanwhile, the President speaks flippantly of “an umbrella” (a “hunduwa”) while victims still lack relief because of these procedures. Voters are disappointed. The people now see that those who promised to catch thieves are merely partaking.

¶ 06 Do not stretch Emergency to hide incompetence and corruption. Tell the truth to the country.