Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer MP Namal Rajapaksa has urged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya not to be misled by political promises, warning him to consider the fate of police chiefs who had aligned themselves with political parties in the past.
Addressing Parliament, Rajapaksa said the IGP should not become helpless by accepting “ropes thrown by politicians” and should remember that the government provides unlimited resources to the police service.
“Do not eat the ropes given by politicians. Think about what happened to the IGPs who went to parties in the same manner before. Do not make the IGP, who is always given unlimited funds, helpless,” he said.
Rajapaksa also criticised the government’s claims of providing relief measures, saying that while ministers make statements in Parliament about assistance being provided, farmers continue to protest over shortages of fertiliser and the lack of a guaranteed price for paddy.
“If relief is being provided, we welcome it. Farmers, businessmen, fishermen and entrepreneurs of this country need support. But if this relief only exists in speeches made in Parliament, questions remain over how much of the Rs. 100 billion allocated will actually reach the people,” he said.
He also raised concerns over recent cyberattacks, saying that while the government speaks of strengthening state institutions, hackers continue to steal funds and evade arrest.
Commenting on the prevailing disaster situation, Rajapaksa praised the efforts of security forces, government officials and volunteers engaged in rescue operations, but accused the government of failing to fulfil promises made following previous disasters.
He claimed that promises made after Cyclone Ditva had not been fulfilled and questioned why people who were previously relocated back to vulnerable areas were affected again by the latest disaster.
“Months have passed, and now another rainy season has arrived. People who were told not to return to their homes were later sent back. Those villages have now been affected again. Who will take responsibility?” he asked.
Rajapaksa also called on the government to address concerns raised by students sitting for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, saying they were facing additional pressure due to the disaster situation after already struggling with syllabus-related issues.
He further criticised the government’s stance on land allocation for disaster-affected communities, saying discussions should be held with religious leaders and other stakeholders instead of blaming temples and shrines for possessing lands.
The MP also accused the government of failing to provide practical solutions to farmers’ issues, including fertiliser shortages and the lack of a guaranteed paddy price.
“When rice is imported during the harvesting season, farmers become helpless. Vegetable farmers also face difficulties. Fertiliser must be provided at the correct time; otherwise, farmers are forced to buy it at high prices from the black market,” he said.
Rajapaksa warned that ignoring farmers’ grievances could lead to further protests, saying the government must address their concerns instead of dismissing them as politically motivated. (Newswire)