The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I wish to begin with the need to protect women. If we are truly to protect women, no one on the Government side has the right to insult them. I believed before coming to Parliament that if our President came, he would take our country, cleanse it and uplift it. I went North and told people to vote for Anura Kumara Dissanayake. People scolded me then; now it is clear.

¶ 02 I am not here to accuse anyone of theft without investigation. If someone alleges wrongdoing, there should be an inquiry. If allegations are made against a Minister, there should be an inquiry. Without that, I would resign; I would not go to the street with shame. After an inquiry clears me, I would return.

¶ 03 Also, raising prices and then reducing a little is not a relief. If petrol is increased by Rs. 200 and then reduced by Rs. 20 or Rs. 100, calling it relief insults the people. If people believe that, then call me a fool; I do not accept it.

¶ 04 We ask only for an inquiry. Let COPA and COPE investigate and present their findings. Then one can sit on the chair again. We did not ask anyone to go home permanently; we asked for temporary resignation pending an inquiry.

¶ 05 Please conclude your speech.

¶ 06 I am concluding. After the inquiry, return and sit. But if you vote for the wrong today for the sake of that seat, remember what you have done.