Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

Hon. Presiding Member, whatever subject we debate today, after the Hon. President’s speech here, I must inevitably speak to that context. The war we witness in the world today is an obscene war. If there is no peace in the world today, the sole cause is one individual: the President of the United States, Donald Trump. He is a big Satan; in Israel there is a little Satan. They are the greatest threats to world peace. By blatantly violating international law, ordering the assassination of a political leadership constituted by law, this big Satan then struts about boasting, wearing a cap marked “USA,” as if he has achieved something great. It is shameless. Americans should exercise their discretion under Article II, Section 4 of their Constitution and impeach that man. Only then will there be peace in the world. Donald Trump has absolutely no right to wear that cap with “USA” emblazoned on it and speak of his lawless acts. Regarding Iran — this is a grave injustice. At a time when international law has been violated so egregiously, the President, seated in that chair, could not bring himself to condemn it. Every Muslim voter who supported this Government is angry and deeply disappointed that the President did not utter even a single word of condemnation in this House over the despicable act against Iran. Hon. Presiding Member, I have nothing against the United States or its people. The problem is that a mad hatter leads them. It is time Americans stand up for peace and justice. Further, those two Satans are responsible for many of our country’s troubles as well. An intelligence officer has been taken into custody. Some Members even here comment that in 2014 deals were done with “Muslim extremists” to curb terrorism. I ask: what terrorism existed in Sri Lanka in 2014? From 2012 onwards, elements of military intelligence cultivated links with the extremist cell of Zaharan Hashim, even deploying informants and facilitating them. Why? Because the political leadership of that time wanted, after the defeat of Tamil terrorism, another target group to display false patriotism. They dreamed of rekindling Sinhala–Muslim tensions, even harking back to 1915. It began at Aluthgama. We expect these links maintained from 2012 onwards to come to light, because it is vital for the stability and future of this country, and to dismantle the “parallel state” the President himself spoke of. Yet the President did not utter even a sentence to condemn the current war atmosphere; that concerns us greatly. Truly, the whole world is shaken today. Let me remind this House: whether we speak of Prophet Dawud (David), of Jesus Christ — Prophet Isa — or of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we all believe in the one God proclaimed by Prophet Ibrahim. We are the children of Ibrahim. Who sows division among our Muslim people? The biggest Satan. When I say “biggest Satan,” I think of Goliath. There was a beautiful film recently about David the shepherd — later a prophet and king — who felled the giant Goliath with a single stone. As the Old Testament (1 Samuel 17:45–46) says: “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts...” Sir, I come here today with no power — no army, no police, no tariffs to impose. I am only a humble Member of Parliament from a small island. Giant Donald Trump, who thinks he is the greatest Goliath, stands proud and powerful, sowing division among the children of Ibrahim, using money, fear and tariffs as his weapons; many shrink under his shadow, perhaps some here too. I have nothing but my faith in the one God. With faith as my sling and truth as my stone, I aim at the pride and arrogance that seek to divide the world. I say to the world: the day Donald Trump has no power in politics is the day this world will know peace — the day we are rid of another Hitler. Today he targets Iran; next he will ask for Greenland, then Cuba, and why not Trincomalee! Let us guard ourselves against this big Satan. I urge the people of America: stand up, impeach him, and remove him in the name of peace and justice. Let me conclude by reminding all these powers: Pharaohs thought themselves invincible — so does Donald Trump — but the time has come for the world to speak up for peace and stand in solidarity for peace and justice. Thank you.