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Last Updated : 2024-05-10 01:01:00
15 April 2022 01:21 pm - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lankan politician Namal Rajapaksa, son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and nephew of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has said he understands why people are angry with the government. However, he has cautioned that now is not only the time for anger, but for solutions too.
According to Namal, the President and the government should have been more open and vocal about their plans for the country. “One of the biggest accusations we have is that we don’t inform people — which I agree with,” he told ThePrint
Protests have broken out across the nation amid anger and frustration stemming from the Sri Lankan economic crisis. This has further stoked political turmoil, with the cabinet — Namal Rajapaksa included — resigning. Namal Rajapaksa told ThePrint Saturday that the Sri Lankan government will appoint a fresh cabinet this week.
Meanwhile, the Opposition is collecting signatures for a no-confidence vote.
In an interview with ThePrint, Namal, the former minister of youth and sports, talked about the need for systemic change in Sri Lanka. According to him, progressive leadership is held back by an outdated administrative system, and plenty of red tape.
‘Anger is unproductive’
Accepting that the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration hasn’t been as transparent as required — and that the current silence from the President isn’t helping the situation — Namal said the “President should address the nation and tell them about his plans”.
He also said that Basil Rajapaksa, the sacked former finance minister and another of his uncles, should have been more vocal about the country’s economic situation and his plans to tackle it.
On Monday night, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa made his first public statement since the countrywide protests began. “The government is working round-the-clock to overcome the economic crisis,” he said, calling for patience.
Protests have been continuing non-stop in the country, with the Sri Lankan government declaring a holiday Monday and Tuesday in view of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Protesters have set up camp outside the secretariat, and christened the new demonstration ground “Gotagogama”, or “Gota Go Village”, in reference to the popular slogan asking President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to leave office.
Namal told ThePrint that he understands why people are angry, and supports their right to protest. However, he added that such anger is unproductive and could create a further crisis — especially as the protests could keep away tourists, who could help the Sri Lankan economy.
Saj Far Saturday, 16 April 2022 09:58 AM
Transperancy is not the biggest issue raised by the people. Your looting of our money is. Please address that.
Sarath vidañaģama Saturday, 16 April 2022 10:14 AM
You have mismanaged the economy from 2004. Mainly due to CB governor who was clueless on CB matters. Any capable person should have warned the rulers of impending foreign exchange crisis at that time when the country was spending more than income with huge trade deficit. (Not covered by other açcounts) 2015 - 19 didn't help either, except paying back debt. Still no plans because all are incompetent . Not a single economist is there to take necessary policies. All are groping in the dark.
Jokers Saturday, 16 April 2022 10:42 AM
You take up a post at UN and advise the world leaders how to run their government's. Wait and see you will loose your deposit at the next election
Labby Saturday, 16 April 2022 10:58 AM
Yes, and the solution is for you and your stinking family of uncles, parents, and everyone else in your family to get out of the government, and out of parliament for ever. For gawdsake go..
Sammy Saturday, 16 April 2022 11:05 AM
The first action towards a larger solution is to get rid of him and his larger family
Prianka Nalin Senevirstne Saturday, 16 April 2022 11:39 AM
Seriously? Not informing the people? Not informing about what? Don't you think that he should have informed the people that he was wrong letting the country be governed by inexperienced and uneducated people like yourself even if you were elected by the people? Have you ever worked for a living or paid a penny of income tax to the state? Don't you also think that your Uncle should not have thought that a country is an army or a family business. Are you now trying to distance yourself and place the blame squarely on your Uncle. That also shows that you are not smart and think that people believe you.
'Not so gullible' Saturday, 16 April 2022 11:43 AM
Has he not seen the tourists too are joining the protest with their own will and shouting the same slogan!
Massdeen Saturday, 16 April 2022 12:07 PM
Talking bull shit like a Thotha baba slowly trying to get into the good books, the youth doesn’t want even you all same
Rajapakses go home Saturday, 16 April 2022 12:46 PM
Namal must be thinking that he has made some wise statements and that the people will calm down.He doesn't seem to know that one of the targets of the people's anger is he himself.
Sambo Saturday, 16 April 2022 01:01 PM
Don't blame the president only your father is much more responsible for this mess.
Kosappu Saturday, 16 April 2022 01:24 PM
We know what you were up to even in Negombo
James of London Saturday, 16 April 2022 01:44 PM
Namal, Namal where have you been all this time? Not to see the queen in London or in Uganda to not know what's happened.
Dilshan Perera Saturday, 16 April 2022 02:04 PM
ThePrint should talk about the corruption of this family and offshore accounts..
Skeptical Saturday, 16 April 2022 02:06 PM
What plans is he referring to? Banning inorganic fertilizer?
It's an Open case Saturday, 16 April 2022 02:58 PM
He's not a Thomian like you. That's why he's not open!
Intiquab Saturday, 16 April 2022 03:12 PM
What about the museum loot.
Veer Puran appu Saturday, 16 April 2022 09:17 PM
The whole Rajapakse family are thiefs.... No real Sri Lankan should listen to them, they need to be thrown out of power and i to jail not usa to enjoy their stolen loot. A real patriot would not hesitate to do what needs to be done as has been shown in many a country. STAND UP AND GRAB THE BULL BY HIS HORNS , IF BY HIS BALLS...
ACL Saturday, 16 April 2022 09:40 PM
What is he trying to do ? Contradicting his father and uncle to show he is oh so righteous...what a joke! Anger is unproductive???!! Stealing billions, looting the country, deliberately sending the country into ruin and forcing people to take the streets is productive??!! People are suffering with power cuts across the Island while many have enjoyed uninterrupted power because Govt Officials and Ministers reside in those areas. That is the solution! Gota should have been open about his plans ??? Didn't realize thieves publicize their plan of operations to rob the Country. Wow you just further endorsed your idiocy. Tourists are NOT coming to SL because of your bloody family's stupidity and greed. The protests are certain not a deterrent. Tourists do not want to sit in darkness or not be able to travel due to lack of fuel. Tourists do NOT want to come and see people suffer though they would help anyway they could. They are more empathetic than the Rajapakses!
Nilame attanayake Sunday, 17 April 2022 02:48 AM
Your dreams were taken by uncle gota! Punish him, you have no chance now. Do you have us visa? Bo’ness migration visa with stolen money?
Nilame attanayake Sunday, 17 April 2022 02:48 AM
Your dreams were taken by uncle gota! Punish him, you have no chance now. Do you have us visa? Bo’ness migration visa with stolen money?
sam Sunday, 17 April 2022 08:02 AM
Family has killed this country. Even tourists are demonstrating, they are unable to get about due to fuel shortage. Dont talk crap.
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