The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

Madam Presiding Member, during this debate I must recall something. Yesterday (the 17th), the Leader of the House spoke, and the Sports Minister today said the President intervened to arrange the India–Pakistan series. Fine. But the Leader of the House compared it to a phone call I made, claiming I had not called any Minister. I must tell him this. In recent days, stake-net (ma-dal) fishermen protesting outside the Presidential Secretariat, near Galle Face, sat there for five days without food. That is a public issue. No one heard them, so they stayed there overnight. As the Opposition, we went and asked their problem—that is our duty; we did so even when in Government. I went to them, in the harsh noon sun. Those fishermen asked me to raise it with those responsible. I tried to call the Fisheries Minister, Hon. Ramalingam Chandraseker; I could not get through—his phone was busy. At that time, a fisherman from Mulaniv Kokilaye, Mr. Rukmal Tushara Liyvera—he operates about 10 stake nets—called the Minister and handed me the phone so I could speak to him. I spoke to the Minister. He said, “Yes, we will give a solution today. We are discussing.” For the record: Mr. Rukmal Tushara Liyvera’s number is 0771829303; the Minister’s number is 0777795958. This morning Mr. Rukmal sent me the video: it was my call from his phone. So I ask the Leader of the House: check before you speak. As for this Government—frankly, you came to power by telling even more lies than the kings of old. We thought after coming cheaply to power, at least you would stop lying. The State Minister said he did not get a call. Why would I call a State Minister? You speak to the person who can decide. I called the Minister—from Rukmal’s phone. We do not do secret calls. For 25 years I have not begged in this Parliament. I was Ports Minister; I did not spirit away 323 containers. There is a Special Committee on that—answer those questions. Give answers to the innocent stake-net fishermen. You say they break coral. Please, Minister or an officer, tell me where a stake-net is set on rock. If you set it on rock, the net would tear and the fisherman is finished. Do not be unfair to those innocent people. You have appointed a committee; do not tar them. Do not speak of “secret calls”. If we call, we call directly. If we have the capacity, we will call even Trump. That is how we resolve issues. We ask the President, the Prime Minister and the subject Minister to resolve this. Madam Presiding Member, the Sports Minister spoke; fine. But some think their power is eternal—carved in stone. No, Ministers, Members—this is never permanent; it is temporary. Governments change; they always have. Do not raise your heads in arrogance, because the end will not be good. We too once thought power would last; in the end, we learned otherwise. Remember, when we had power, people treated us retail; but when you lose power, they treat you wholesale. So, now, at least fulfill the promises you made to the people. These days we only hear about Hon. Namal Rajapaksa—some seem intent on jailing him no matter what. Is a government there to jail and release people? Do not engage in political vendettas; they are destructive. Who brought you to power? You had the blessings of the Maha Sangha; 90-95% of public servants supported you; so did farmers, fishers, doctors and nurses—even some came to rallies in uniform. Now, on the 20th of this month, there will be a great convention of monks against this Government. Farmers, workers and public servants are gathering. Please reflect where you went wrong. Compare the President’s popularity on 21 September 2024 with now—go out, go to the weekly fair, take a three-wheeler, and see. Earlier, if a Pohottuwa supporter got into a three-wheeler, he got in as Pohottuwa and got off as Malimawa; now he gets in as Malimawa and gets off as Pohottuwa. The people’s opposition has grown—mainly because you do not listen. Learn to listen; that is fundamental. We saw your policy statement: “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life.” Fine words. But in that “prosperous country,” people are being killed—each called an “isolated incident.” A Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman was murdered—an isolated incident; a lawyer and his wife were murdered—an isolated incident; a killing in Waskaduwa on the same day—isolated; Jinthupitiya—isolated. Killers ram a second vehicle, burn the first—isolated. These are not isolated. Find the causes. Please protect lives. Finally, if you believe in your popularity after a year and a half, hold the Provincial Council elections now. If people will vote for you, hold them. We, as the Opposition, are ready. Thank you for the time.