Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you. Although today’s debate is on Finance Act Orders and related amendments — I will also raise some proposals — first I recall the Local Government Election. It was conducted like a Presidential election for the President; Ministers and MPs fronted the campaign; not local candidates. The President lost 2.3 million votes compared to the Presidential poll. Was that because of you, or the village candidate? You must explain.

¶ 02 Some Government MPs told us they were not allowed to run that election — it was the President’s show, so he must accept defeat. We also hear of issues between Malimawa and JVP. Whatever it is, please ensure unity between JVP and Malimawa so the people can see your true face; if you break mid-way, the people will not get to see it. Strengthen the Government so all can see what happens.

¶ 03 On national security: today we see a gold-plated T-56 at a ceremony; we see a man hacking himself with a knife in broad daylight; people are shot on main roads; perpetrators are caught only later. What do you say about national security? Have you protected the dignity of MPs? The Speaker has a special duty to protect Members elected by the people’s vote. Yet MPs are mocked when speaking, and their security and facilities are derided. Not everything you do is right; learn to do what is right for all.

¶ 04 No one in Government speaks about the underworld or drug traffickers. Who points the finger at organized crime and narcotics? No one on your side. That is why you think you need no protection. But we have a serious question: who protects the underworld? We remember the daylight assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge; recently similar motorbike shootings snatched files on the road. These happen under your Government. Boasting is useless if such things continue. Speak up and act.

¶ 05 On the cost of living: I saw a youth dipping rice into seawater for salt — that is not magic; it is because you fail to provide even salt. Prices have shot to the sky. Do not just give speeches; provide practical answers.

¶ 06 A Government MP interjected “Salt is available now.” I say: neither salt nor rice is affordable; ultimately people will be left with nothing. Factories are closing; can anyone guarantee that no more factories will close? If someone in Government can guarantee here and now, state it on the record — we will hold you to it.

¶ 07 On driving licences for our people in Italy: when I raised it, you said within a month you would implement it. You took votes and did nothing; months have passed; the Motor Traffic Department is still not ready to issue those licences recognized abroad. Do the practical work instead of grandstanding and trolling on social media.

¶ 08 An MP has received a death threat letter; we hear similar threats to the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader. Who can live freely now? What about your “national security desk”? Where is the person who promised to end this “in two Poya days”? How many Poyas have passed? Say clearly there is no underworld now — can anyone in Government say that? When the underworld surfaces, you hide. That is not governance. National security is crucial; economic security alone is not enough when people lack personal safety — in schools, hospitals, markets, roads, workplaces.

¶ 09 We once had pride at home and abroad; terrorism devastated us, and war heroes sacrificed to rebuild. Many live today with disabilities. We must honour them properly; remember that your ability to stand here and scold others is thanks to their sacrifice.

¶ 10 The President is the President of all Sri Lankans, not only for Malimawa or JVP. The Government must implement the programme to rebuild the country with him. If you execute it properly, all will support you; if not, you will not gain support. Instead of blaming others, look in the mirror and correct yourselves. Thank you.