By Saman Indrajith

Peolple hit by the pandemic were struggling to dull the pangs of hunger, but the Sports Ministry was holding carnivals by playing premier league cricket, the SJB said yesterday.

SJB Badulla District MP Chaminda Wijesiri, participating in the third reading debate on the budget 2021, said that the urgent need of the people was not premier league cricket tournaments, which cost billions of rupees. “They cannot even watch those matches on TV because of the mounting electricity bills during the recent months. It is no secret that these carnivals cost billions of rupees. What we do not know so far is from where that money is coming from.”

“Under a previous Rajapaksa government, the present Sports Minister organised car races opposite the Dalada Maligawa, Kandy. We remember how sand bags were put up closing down some roads in Kandy as Minister Namal Rajapaksa wanted to hold car races and carnivals with foreign dancers. It seems Minister Namal Rajapaksa has not learned a lesson yet.”

 Kandy District SLPP MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara: How do you say that Minister Rajapaksa participated in the race? He did not participate in the race. You should withdraw that statement.

MP Wijesiri: Some drove their cars while some others danced with foreign dancers. Those who danced at that time are now shouting. Do not forget how people responded to those extravagances. Those were the reasons they voted you out last time. While MP Namal Rajapaksa was in the Opposition, we saw him moving with people, attending funerals, and working with them on their fields. He was in shorts helping people affected by floods and painting their houses. We thought that he had learnt his lessons but now we are sure we were mistaken. Several days ago, there was an archery competition and the chief guest was Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa. The first and second places of the competition went to his brothers. It seems that we are back on the same track again. The premier league carnival confirms it. A minister of Sports could render an immense service to the people. During the time of our government Minister Harin Fernando served that district and helped the players.

Minister Namal Rajapaksa: What did Harin Fernando do for the benefit of the sports sector? What did he do?

 MP Wijesiri: Do not ask me. You are the sports minister and you should know what your predecessor did for the sports. You can ask from ministry officials. Harin Fernando did not go around opening buildings. Now, tell me who is the owner of the biggest shop in the Mahiyangana? Tell me if you can. Harin Fernando worked for the people. People have not voted to see you and friends to see you and your friends enjoy life. You just passed one year. If this is your record for a year, we can’t even imagine what you would do in time to come.