The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake

¶ 01 I will conclude in another 30 seconds, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 There was a footnote gang. Comrade Sunil Handunnetti, former Chairman of the COPE Committee, was pushed out. Harsha de Silva used his knowledge to protect Ranil; I say that responsibly. I have always said this. Who were the footnote gang? Ravindra Samaravira, Sujeewa Senasinghe, Wasantha Aluvihare, Dr. Harsha de Silva, Ajith P. Perera, Ashok Abeysinghe, Abdul Rauff, Hector Appuhamy, and Harshana Rajakaruna. These are the names of those who protected the theft of Rs. 1,048 billion in 2015, protecting Ranil. Therefore this needs to be cleaned. Hon. Presiding Member, that is why we say: come this way—the ethical, quality path. Do not cling to petty bits—stickers and trifles. You sit with the Rajapaksas, with Ranil, and then try to show who is with the people. We are sorry for them. Let them stay there forever if they wish. Recalling all that, we also say that we are implementing the Clean Sri Lanka programme.

¶ 03 Hon. Presiding Member, if the Opposition Members wish, we will provide two days in March to debate this again. Bring your criticisms—we want them. As Prince Rahula said, we need to learn our shortcomings. But please do not come with petty attacks. With that request, I fall silent. Hon. Presiding Member, thank you very much for the time given.

¶ 04 It being 5.30 p.m., the Hon. Presiding Member adjourned Parliament without Question put.

¶ 05 Parliament adjourned accordingly until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday, 23rd January, 2025.