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SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa yesterday vowed that the opposition, united on a common platform, would work to bring down the government at the earliest opportunity.
Speaking at the “Maha Jana Handa” rally held at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in Nugegoda, he accused the government of relying on “blatant lies” instead of delivering results, adding that political forces were “closely watching” its actions.
“A ship is not built to remain anchored. It must sail and face turbulence. Likewise, the journey we began is aimed at sending this government home,” he said.
Rajapaksa charged that the current administration had imposed heavy taxes on the public, failed to keep promises to revive industries, and undermined the state sector while using political power for personal gain. He urged state employees to carry out their duties honestly and warned the government not to drag public servants, police officers or military personnel into political conflicts.
He also criticised the government for restricting information to the media, especially concerning drug-related cases involving its own members.
Referring to comments about NPP leaders’ recent visit to farmers, he said: “They speak of protecting farmers, but after taking office, they brought in 1,700 double cabs. When they fail, they resort to intimidation.”
Earlier in the day, pro-government groups hung bundles of grass in Dehiwala and Kohuwala with banners claiming “only buffaloes” would attend the rally. Rajapaksa said such acts and the removal of loudspeakers near the venue would not weaken the SLPP.
Former MP Ashu Marasinghe noted that the UNP Deputy Leader and senior party members did not attend the rally, while SJB MP Hector Appuhamy said his party had taken a policy decision to stay away. The SJB, Sarvajana Balaya and the National Freedom Front (NFF) also confirmed non-participation. A brief power outage occurred before the rally commenced.
SLPP MP Premnath C. Dolawatte accused the government of disrespecting Buddhism and harming the health and agriculture sectors. Former UNP MP Harin Fernando said their struggle would continue until the government is held accountable, recalling that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa ended the 30-year war, while Ranil Wickremesinghe stabilised the economy.
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila said the government would need “a venue ten times larger” than the crowd gathered in Nugegoda if it sought genuine public support. He claimed even the police were unwilling to fully support the administration and warned that all opposition forces would unite on one platform. Under a new government, he said, NPP MPs who insulted the judiciary would be brought before the law.
SLPP Jaffna District organiser Geethanath Cassilingam accused the government of failing to deliver on key promises to the North and East, despite securing a strong mandate from Tamil-speaking communities. He said commitments purportedly given to the ITAK— including full implementation of the 13th Amendment, release of former LTTE prisoners and reforms to the PTA — remained unmet.
“One year has passed and not a single promise has been honoured. How long will this government continue to mislead these communities?” he asked.
Source – DailyMirror
