Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. Responding to earlier speeches, I must recall the LTTE terrorism. Our war heroes risked their lives to liberate this country; some remain bedridden, unable to see what happens outside. Yet from some speeches, it seems LTTE terrorists who fought to divide the country are now being viewed as heroes. We must clearly distinguish who are heroes and who spread brutality. Those who asked for a separate country and fought to divide Sri Lanka cannot be seen as heroes.

¶ 02 We live today as one Sri Lankan nation, a unitary country. When the LTTE demanded separation, war heroes fought for all — Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim — for our collective future. Leadership and command were provided by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, with the tri-forces and all war heroes.

¶ 03 There is debate whether Government or Opposition won the Local Government Election. When the SLPP was down to around 2.5%, the people — including in Galle — still voted for us, and we thank them. We have raised to nearly 10%. If the Government claims a mandate renewal, I do not accept that; all Opposition groups increased their shares and strengthened. The election reflected opposition to the Government.

¶ 04 More importantly, let us recall post-war development under President Mahinda Rajapaksa: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) started in 2009 and opened in 2013 — a project to develop the country after the war. Some governments turned it into a warehouse, tarnishing its international standing. Now, to grow tourism and the economy, we speak again of MRIA. If used properly, it can aid the Government’s economic programme.

¶ 05 Likewise, Hambantota Port and the expressways added value after the war. The current Government’s task is to take that value forward.

¶ 06 The Government must also heed the setback message from the Local Government Election and act accordingly, rather than boasting of power. Thank you.