The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, first I must recall those affected by the adverse weather and disasters. We express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. A large number have been affected. We trust the Government will take proper measures.

¶ 02 At this time, setting politics aside, as the Opposition we will extend maximum support for the people, and support your processes. We should commend the armed forces, police, and all state officials from ground level upwards—District and Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi and Agrarian officers, as well as Pradeshiya Sabhas and councillors—for their efforts to save lives and property in this disaster. The Government must remain vigilant over the next few days and act accordingly.

¶ 03 There are many high-risk areas. First and foremost, the Government must intervene to save lives. Evacuating people is difficult due to concerns about property security and other issues. But we must first implement steps to save lives. Landslides and floods across many parts of Sri Lanka have already claimed many lives. We must act to save people.

¶ 04 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, the agriculture sector is facing massive damage—this even before the floods. Due to recent policies of importing food, local farmers were unfairly treated. By the last quarter of the previous Government, agriculture grew by 3.7 percent, but by the first quarter of this year it fell to minus one percent; now up by about two percent, but last year’s growth is not yet seen. Reasons include fertilizer issues and price issues. We saw how onion, potato, and other farmers recently suffered from prices. There is an allegation that our Deputy Minister blamed farmers for over-cultivating. The role of Agriculture and the Ministry is to encourage the farmer, not to import. That may be a consumer ministry policy, but a minister importing onions to sell claiming profit and then blaming the farmer is wrong. The largest imports were this year; the largest onion harvest was also this year. Don’t blame the farmer. The young farmer’s duty is to cultivate—that is his job. Historically we didn’t blame people for cultivating. When young farmers are encouraged and produce more, saying “you cultivated too much” is unfair. Whether the Government’s policy is to import rice, vegetables, and fruit to feed people is another matter, but we ask that you ensure fairness to farmers.

¶ 05 There is now a price problem due to imports and flood damage; it will recur next season. Some in Government may be happy as it allows imports. Earlier, when rice was imported, some asked whether a President was needed for that, and called it a mafia to be ended with one stroke. When vegetables and fruits are imported, they said it was for commissions. Those who accused others of importing for commissions have now transformed into the government that imports the highest-ever quantities of vegetables, fruits, and rice. Prices are high. If rice is imported to control prices, prices should not rise. If prices are high, and if then imports were for commissions, who is taking the commissions now? Who is behind this mafia? Both farmers and consumers suffer—no fair price for either. Your policy is to transform the country to an era of imported rice, vegetables, and fruit. You wore ties in Colombo today, but earlier, you were in sarongs in the fields with farmers. Now you are in Colombo in ties. You don’t look into farmers’ difficulties. With the current rains, farmlands are damaged. How will you act? Save lives first, then address damage to agriculture and farmland—not by relying on “import is profitable,” but by strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.

¶ 06 At this time, government and opposition MPs should be in the villages. Even the Parliamentary Business Committee is to meet to decide on Parliamentary work and the disaster response. I think, Hon. Deputy Chairperson, Parliament should be adjourned and send DDC and PDC Chairs to the villages, not leave it only to officials. Send ministers and MPs now; after the waters recede, going there is useless. Go now, provide food and aid, understand cultivation damage, and act.

¶ 07 Finally, another issue: This may not suit the current weather and environment, but I must raise it. Regarding the 323 containers, the Opposition requested a Select Committee; the Leader of the Opposition made that request. You appointed it. Hon. Gayantha Karunathilaka, there are eight from the Government and four from the Opposition on it. Eight from the Government to probe containers released by the Government.

¶ 08 Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka: We asked; it was not given.

¶ 09 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa: Though the Opposition asked, it was not given. In addition, two other containers with narcotics were released. Another audio is circulating of a Minister discussing helping a suspect to flee. Is the farmer’s suffering something to ignore? They say if documents are missing, they will create them. No license? They’ll arrange one. Bring a container to the port and tell the Minister—then all is fine.

¶ 10 An Hon. Member: That QA container belongs to your bodyguard, …

¶ 11 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa: Yes, my man; your relative. Don’t forget—your relative too. That’s why I say, implement the law—then everyone’s relatives will be exposed. I’m not saying more; we are from the village.

¶ 12 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka: There are lawyers on that side.

¶ 13 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa: And your B—SE gentleman is also there on that side.

¶ 14 The Hon. D.V. Chanaka: Right in front.

¶ 15 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa: I will conclude quickly. Who is appointed to that Committee? Minister Anura Karunathilaka—the Port Minister. Also, the Deputy Minister in charge of Police. As Chair, the Minister of Justice, Hon. Harsha Nanayakkara.

¶ 16 Hon. Deputy Chairperson: Time is up.

¶ 17 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa: Please give me one more minute.

¶ 18 This is like asking the thief’s mother to judge. The investigation is by the Police; the Minister in charge of Police is on the Committee. The matter concerns the Port; the Port Minister is on the Committee. Ultimately it goes to courts; the Justice Minister is the Chair. By constituting it so, it is clear the 323 containers were released by the Government. They want to cover it up. No need for further inquiries.

¶ 19 Hon. Deputy Chairperson: Please conclude now.

¶ 20 The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa: I conclude. There is nothing to inquire from that Committee, as those who released them are appointed to probe. Therefore, I request you to bring this to the Speaker’s attention. With eight from the Government and four from the Opposition, nothing will happen. Please inform the Hon. Speaker.

¶ 21 Thank you.