Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of weakening the country’s intelligence services by taking action against officers who contributed to ending the civil war.
Addressing a public meeting in Kekirawa on Sunday (07), Namal alleged that intelligence officers who played a key role in defeating terrorism and safeguarding national security were being imprisoned, while individuals accused of concealing information related to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks remained protected.
Rajapaksa said such actions could undermine national security mechanisms and create conditions that would allow extremist elements to re-emerge.
Drawing parallels with the Yahapalana administration, he alleged that the arrest of intelligence officers could have serious consequences for national security.
The SLPP MP also criticised the government’s handling of the agricultural sector, claiming that farmers were facing difficulties due to the lack of a clear fertiliser programme ahead of the upcoming Maha cultivation season.
He alleged that fertiliser shortages had contributed to the emergence of a black market, forcing farmers to purchase fertiliser at higher prices.
Namal further accused the government of neglecting local agriculture while increasing imports of agricultural products, a move he said threatened food security and undermined local farmers.
Commenting on the COVID-19 pandemic period, Namal defended decisions taken under the administration of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, stating that the government prioritised saving lives despite severe economic challenges.
While acknowledging that mistakes had been made in the implementation of the fertiliser policy, he pledged that a future SLPP administration would take measures to strengthen the agricultural sector and safeguard farmers’ interests.
He also claimed that growing dissatisfaction among farmers, fishermen and workers had led to increased public support for the SLPP in rural areas. (Newswire)
