The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we had a broad debate on the Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act. There was little real dispute on the substance; instead, much was said about the Speaker and investigations. I am glad to speak while you are in the Chair. Today is historic: decisive steps are being taken regarding long-standing investigations and crimes.

¶ 02 First, Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, went to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID). Some called it political vengeance. Let me offer context: the widely publicized “Siriliya Saviya” transaction — an account opened in 2006 under the Identity Card number “222222222V” — reportedly had deposits of Rs. 882.8 million, withdrawals of Rs. 305.6 million, 129 transactions, and Rs. 100 million in fixed deposits. The account is 20 years old; the investigation has lasted 11 years. But this is the first time answers have been given at an investigative agency — previously, on 01 June 2015, answers were given at the Speaker’s official residence, by summoning preferred officers there. Since today we spoke about the Speaker and residences, let me note this too. According to statements by the SJB’s General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, this occurred while the “distinguished Speaker” Chamal Rajapaksa held office. Rather than going to the FCID, the political influence of the Speaker’s official residence was used to provide answers.

¶ 03 Today, for the first time, Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa has gone and acted like an ordinary citizen facing allegations. That is notable.

¶ 04 Also today, Namal Rajapaksa — her son — went to the CID. We saw how with about 50 supporters, with much difficulty, he went sweating and flushed. They claim political vengeance. Why was he summoned? After analysing the mobile phone of an arrested underworld figure known as “Kehelbeddara Padme,” it was reported that statements would be recorded from six politicians. We saw Prasanna Ranatunga go recently and say his father was a friend, but not so much with the son. Now Namal Rajapaksa has gone. Let the facts come out; no problem.

¶ 05 Who is “Kehelbeddara Padme”? An internationally extradited suspect accused of murders, drug trafficking and serious crimes. In such context, it is inappropriate to cry “political vengeance.” Those who went jogging in the morning are now going red-faced in the afternoon — this is a victory for the people. The public expects fair investigations and punishment irrespective of status or background, and we are delivering that.

¶ 06 A few days ago, news emerged about the younger son of a former Speaker — again, from the SJB’s “distinguished Speakers” list: Chamal Rajapaksa’s younger son, Yoshitha Shamintha Rajapaksa. An international warrant has reportedly been issued to arrest and produce him in court as the third suspect in the infamous Air Bus deal. That deal dates to 2012–2013. It is reported that USD 16.84 million was demanded as commission and transferred to accounts. In 2013, USD 160,000 was deposited to the account of the “distinguished Speaker’s” younger son. INTERPOL is to arrest and produce him.

¶ 07 What is ironic? If the Rajapaksas committed wrongs, investigations proceed — we have no issue with that. But what did the SJB do this morning? They focused on a Parliament officer against whom allegations are under inquiry. After a primary inquiry, his work has been suspended. Subsequently, he went and filed a complaint against the Speaker — after the event. He could have complained earlier. As our Leader of the House said, all links will be investigated; everything is transparent.

¶ 08 Has a single SJB Member spoken to welcome these investigations into the Rajapaksas? Not one. Instead, they hurled filth at the Speaker. Earlier, they abused the Education Minister; now, the Speaker. I cannot understand their mindset. The SJB has fallen into doing Pohottuwa’s contracts — infiltrated by their agents and contractors.

¶ 09 Recently we saw how Namal Rajapaksa tries to run a small campaign in the midst of these allegations. SJB MPs go and hang onto it. I even saw a post that the Opposition Leader’s media spokesperson’s bag went there — whether true or not, this is what the SJB is doing: contracts for the Rajapaksas, nothing else.

¶ 10 On the development officers, we saw the Opposition Leader’s theatrics — for days they agitated; that is their right. But he went there to see if he could “write in blood” and make a show like old love letters. What happened? Those graduates met the President, discussed their demands and reached some understanding; their action has ended. That is how issues are resolved — not by writing with blood.

¶ 11 Give me 30 seconds to conclude. Without anyone having to bleed or give blood, the President resolved it. There’s a saying: “Even if you give blood, you cannot give brains.” I express my regret about such theatrics and conclude.

¶ 12 Thank you.