Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has declared that he is prepared to remain imprisoned for even 500 days if his detention could help ease the economic burden on the public and protect the country’s cultural heritage.
In a lengthy statement dated October 23, Rajapaksa reflected on his imprisonment, saying that October 24 would mark 50 days since he was taken into custody.
“If my country can benefit and our cultural heritage can be protected, then I am willing to remain imprisoned for not just 50 days, but even 500 days,” he said.
Rajapaksa questioned the Government’s economic performance, claiming that people continued to face severe financial difficulties despite statements about the country’s improving financial position.
He referred to several promises and proposals, including reducing electricity bills by two-thirds, lowering fuel prices, increasing salaries every six months, providing interest-free loans without collateral, making Toyota Vitz cars available for around Rs. 1.2 million and removing taxes on essential goods, healthcare and education.
Rajapaksa also criticised what he described as attempts to divert attention from national problems by targeting a single political family.
“At such a critical moment, attempting to conceal the weight of a country’s problems behind one family is absurd,” he said.
Referring to the death of the iconic tusker Kavantissa, Rajapaksa expressed sadness over the country’s failure to protect the animal and stressed the importance of safeguarding Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage.
He also praised his father, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, describing him as a leader who had protected the country’s heritage and allowed living beings to exist safely.
Addressing concerns over religion and culture, Rajapaksa said democratic societies should allow civil discussions but warned against insults, distortion of facts and the spread of hatred.
“Religion is not a competition; it is coexistence. It is not a performance; it is understanding,” he said.
Rajapaksa expressed confidence that the judiciary would eventually acquit him of the allegations against him.
He said his imprisonment had provided an opportunity to reflect on life and politics, adding that being behind bars had not restricted his thoughts or political convictions.
“Although you may imprison me, you cannot imprison the aspirations of the people who stand with our camp,” he said. (Newswire)
