The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, all people’s representatives who come to this august House—the supreme body of our nation with a democratic heritage—come for the people. Today is a very sad day. I wore black today in special protest against the statement of the Minister of Public Security. After the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman was murdered yesterday, instead of stating his responsibility as Minister—to bring the killers to justice and condemn an attack on democracy—the Minister attempted to label the Chairman with a derogatory nickname and depict him as underworld. That is the issue.

¶ 02 State Minister Sunil Vatagala is my friend and a contemporary at Law College, a lawyer. He and Minister Ananda Wijepala should know the core legal concept: presumption of innocence. Who tried a case here yesterday? Are we holding village trials and pronouncing punishments? Then what protection do we, as public representatives, have? Will they say “a shot was fired at ‘Rotiya’” if I am shot? Is this a trivial matter? I am deeply concerned.

¶ 03 We carry a heavy responsibility to safeguard the rule of law. If we trivialize such events, we challenge the judiciary and the police and security apparatus. To then come and make statements is base conduct. I not only express regret, I also make a request on behalf of all representatives—from local bodies to Parliament: immediately ensure their security. If the public feels injustice is growing, that is the worst situation.

¶ 04 I wished to speak about drugs, seizures, and this staged drama, but time is short due to graver matters. Let me say this: our poor are suffering extreme poverty; inflation has slashed purchasing power. This drug “drama” is no solution. I have long said: catching thieves does not end thievery; seizing drugs does not end drugs; arresting daytime killers does not end the underworld.

¶ 05 We must identify the root. Why do we daily hear gunshots and seizures by the kilo? Society’s body is broken. The Western camp has long worked geopolitically to create weak states in our region—this is now evident. A weak government did not arise by accident; it was engineered as part of a long-term geopolitical design. Recognize this and unite. Our beloved motherland is being dragged down; foreign forces siphon our wealth while our people are made destitute. If money earned is taken abroad as interest or otherwise, we must reflect and act—now is the time.

¶ 06 I must say something to our Opposition. When a weak government is created, they also create a weak opposition. There is now a public perception that some in government and opposition deal with each other at night. That perception must be changed. This is my message to our Opposition: rise with firmer decisions, courage, and clear, goal-oriented action. Let us not be a puppet opposition to a puppet government. To my Opposition friends who love this country: stand up with manliness. If we can unite, let us do so—even under one symbol if need be. If not, do separate politics—but do not be ready to swallow bullets fired by this government. A very unfortunate situation has arisen: a public representative has been assassinated while in office. We must raise a louder voice; otherwise, remember—the next bullet may hit an Opposition MP’s chest. I conclude.

¶ 07 Thank you.