People will send kids to schools if MPs, ministers do the same: MR

If the children and grandchildren of all ministers and MPs go back to school on Tuesday, the people will also send their children to schools without any fear,” Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.

Responding to journalists at the Kotte Sri Naga Viharaya, Mr.Rajapaksa said the government should ensure the security provided to schools if students are to return to schools next week.

“We, our MPs, are ready to go near the schools to encourage parents to send their children to schools. The Opposition can do that but it's the government which should ensure the security,” he said.

He said though the President and the Prime Minister had said that there are no security concerns any more, people have to be vigilant.

When asked about the no-confidence motion which was handed over against Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, Mr. Rajapaksa said he hope those in the government would also back this.

“We will see what happens to the no confidence motion when it goes to parliament. There’s no need (for me) to sign it. Even 10 signatures is fine. We hope those in government will also back this. The police should have at least taken a statement from the minister. If a statement was taken, then no issue. At least then the people's suspicions will reduce,” he said.

Video by Buddhi