Hon. Ravindra Bandara
2026-02-06
The Member cited statements by government Minister Bimal Rathnayake acknowledging procedural lapses in the printing of Grade 6 textbooks as evidence of failures within the government itself. He cautioned against deflecting blame onto others and announced that his side would vote against the Emergency, characterising it as a measure to suppress media freedom, the Opposition, and dissenting voices.
Even Hon. Ministers in your Government—like Hon. Bimal Rathnayake—have said the steps in printing Grade 6 textbooks were not properly followed and that this was a serious lapse. Do not punish others for your mistakes. We will vote against this Emergency which is being used to suppress the media, the Opposition and dissent.