NPP Kurunegala District MP M.K.M. Aslam yesterday accused several Opposition members of hypocrisy, alleging that some who now expressed concern over civilian casualties in the Middle East had remained silent when Sri Lankan Muslims faced violence in the past.

Speaking in Parliament, Aslam said certain MPs were “shedding tears” over the suffering of Muslims amid the ongoing escalation of violence in the Middle East, but had failed to speak out when Muslims were attacked in Dharga Town, Beruwala, while they were in government.

“I cannot comprehend their behaviour. The MP who spoke immediately before me is crying for Muslims undergoing suffering in the Middle East. Where was he when Muslims were attacked in Dharga Town? At that time he was in government and did not utter a single word,” Aslam said.

He alleged that another Opposition MP from Hettipola had supporters who were involved in setting fire to Muslim-owned properties during past unrest, yet was now attempting to champion the Muslim cause.

Aslam also claimed that some MPs who were now voicing concern had, only a few years ago, called on the government to deploy the State Intelligence Service to monitor the entire Muslim community in Sri Lanka.

“These are the same MPs who are now shedding crocodile tears over the victims of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. That conflict has existed for decades. We cannot understand the double standards of these Opposition members,” he said.

Rising on a point of order, Kalutara District NDF MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena, who had spoken immediately prior to Aslam, said he was born in Beruwala and had always maintained close ties and friendship with the Muslim community there.

In response, Aslam clarified that he had not mentioned any MP by name, but reiterated that certain Opposition members had remained silent when Muslims were attacked in Sri Lanka several years ago.

By Saman Indrajith

Due to prevailing dry weather and strong winds affecting the hill country, wildfires are spreading. They have been reported from several locations across the plantation sector.

Environmentalists point out that the burning of these vital catchment areas in the central hills could lead to a severe water shortage in the future.

According to local residents, these fires are set by certain individuals with the aim of flushing out animals for hunting.

By S.K. Samaranayake

The “Teshan Ranindu Dissanayake Children’s Friendly Library” was officially declared open on the 2nd, presided over by the Chairman of the National Arts Council, State Award-winning author and litterateur Keerthi Welisarage.

The library was established in memory of 9-year-old Teshan Ranindu Dissanayake, a Grade 4 student of Kotmale Ananda Dissanayake Primary School, who was tragically buried along with 16 of his relatives in a massive landslide at Garandi Ella, Thawalanthenna, caused by the devastating Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ last November.

The library was established centering the Karagasthalawa Sugatharama Dhamma School at Shri Sugatharama Viharaya in Katukithula, where young Teshan received his religious education.

The inspiration for this library stemmed from a statement made by Teshan just a month before his untimely death. During a literary programme, in response to a question posed by journalist Thimbiriyagama Bandara, Teshan expressed his dream before an audience: to create a library for his village that encompasses culture, literature, science, and technology. Considering this request as his final wish, the project was initiated to mark the three-month remembrance of those buried in the Ditva tragedy.

Following Teshan’s passing, the project to realise his dream was spearheaded by Bandara and Dhamma school teacher Prasanna Wijesinghe. A library committee was formed comprising the Chief Incumbent of Sugatharama Viharaya, school teachers, and villagers. The project was presented to the National Arts Council, which subsequently facilitated the establishment of the library.

Ranindu, who was buried under the massive mound of earth during the Ditwah tragedy, was a remarkably talented child; he excelled in dancing, acting, music, drawing, and oratory. He was known as a child who deeply respected and loved his parents, elders, and teachers, earning immense affection from everyone who knew him. Coinciding with the opening of the library, the official website of the library was also launched.

By S.K. Samaranayake