Anura Kumara takes dig at Sajith

NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake 

• Says bus donations cannot make up for crimes of the past
• Recalls loved ones brutally killed under the Ranasinghe Premadasa regime during 1988 and 1989
• Reminds leaders to keep in mind that material things cannot make up for acts carried out during that brutal past
• Invites people to change the political path taken by the country to build a Government of the people
• Says NPP is prepared to lead the people down this difficult path to rebuild and revive the country

National People’s Party (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake says donations cannot make up for crimes of the past, in reference to opposition leader Sajith Premadasa’s latest program to provide buses to schools across the country. 

Addressing the party electoral organising meeting in Kalawewa this week, Dissanayake recalled relatives and friends that were brutally killed by past regimes, particularly that of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa. 

Acknowledging the many known faces in the crowd from his hometown of nearby Tambuttegama, Dissanayake said many who should be seated among them were robbed of their lives. 

“Every time I visit Tambuttegama my heart feels heavy. My brother was taken away from us due to his involvement in politics,” he said, recalling the names of many other friends he had lost at the time. 

“Many of them were forced to leave us after being subjected to the torture meted out by Premadasa in 1988-1989. Therefore, certain leaders must keep in mind that donations cannot make up for past crimes. Material items cannot make up for that past. People who could have lived, breathed and worked along with us today were taken away by these regimes,” he said.

Recalling how he managed to save his own life, Dissanayake said the burden of obtaining justice for those who were lost now rests upon their shoulders. “We can only deliver justice to my relatives, all the brothers and sisters of our party who were taken away from us by building the nation they wish for in Sri Lanka. Therefore, we possess a conscience that will not submit to any kind of insults or threats. It cannot be valued, and neither can it be bought. I assure you we will continue moving forward till we build a just and fair rule in Sri Lanka,” the NPP leader said.

Noting that Sri Lanka’s rulers were always from the higher echelons of society, Dissanayake said those in his party have suffered and know of the people’s struggles through experience. “I invite you to change this political path we have embarked on for decades. We must decide if we must establish a rule that understands the sufferings of the people or rulers from the elite classes. The NPP calls on the people to create a Government of the common man,” he said.

The NPP leader said while it is difficult to deviate from traditional politics, he said the NPP is prepared to lead the way down the difficult path. “But we will choose the path through which we can revive the country and its people. Let us all unite to ensure the victory of the people by setting up a governance led by the NPP,” he added.