Namal accuses govt. of double standards over Trincomalee Buddha statue removal

Colombo, Nov. 19 (Daily Mirror) - National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Namal Rajapaksa today accused the government of maintaining double standards and failing to provide a clear explanation regarding the recent removal of a Buddha statue from a well-known temple in Trincomalee.

Speaking to the media, Rajapaksa said the issue was raised in Parliament, but the subject minister had been “left speechless.”

“We asked who attacked the Buddhist monks if the Buddha statue was taken outside for its safety. The government has still failed to answer that question,” he said.

Rajapaksa said the SLPP would address all related concerns at its rally scheduled for November 21 in Nugegoda. “The people will decide who the main opposition is and will express their views on how the government has fulfilled its election promises,” he added.

He also criticized the government for entering into multiple agreements with foreign countries without adequate transparency, noting that such matters have repeatedly been questioned in Parliament. Rajapaksa said the administration had failed to supply essential medicines on time, yet proceeded with the procurement of 1,700 double cabs while closing tenders, describing it as further proof of the government’s “inability and mismanagement.”

"It is understood that several protests have been organized against the rally on Friday (21), and that reflects their mentality. Bringing more people to protest against the rally means our message has reached them, which shows that the NPP government is failing to fulfil the promises made to the people. Due to their failures, they are now challenging us," MP Rajapaksa said.