Namal Rajapaksa Issues Stark Warning to IGP
In a curious address at Parliament, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer MP Namal Rajapaksa cautioned Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya to remain vigilant against political manipulation. He reminisced about the fates of past police chiefs who aligned with political factions, urging the current IGP to reject any superficial political “ropes” thrown his way.
His comments have drawn the ire of politicians and commentators who see them as hypocritical.
Rajapaksa emphasized the importance of police autonomy, asserting that the IGP must remember that the police force is consistently provided with extensive resources by the government. “Do not allow yourself to be rendered powerless by political whims. Reflect on what occurred to IGPs who previously walked that path,” Rajapaksa admonished, reinforcing the call for an independent police service. But others have commented that the Rajapaksas in power never allowed this type of neutrality in the police force.
Criticism of Government Relief Measures
Furthermore, Rajapaksa criticized the government’s narrative about relief measures amid ongoing crises affecting farmers across the country. He highlighted the irony of ministers touting assistance in Parliament while farmers protest due to fertilizer shortages and the absence of guaranteed prices for their produce.
“If aid is indeed flowing, then we welcome it. However, we are left questioning how much of the promised Rs. 100 billion will truly make its way to the people,” he expressed, shedding light on the discord between political promises and ground realities faced by the agricultural community.
Concerns Over Cybersecurity and Disaster Management
The MP didn’t shy away from addressing the astonishing rise in cybercrime either. He pointed out the government’s apparent paralysis in the face of ongoing cyberattacks which have seen hackers pilfering funds without facing repercussions. “While we hear lofty ideals about strengthening state institutions, the reality tells a different story,” he lamented.
Turning his attention to the nation’s disaster responsiveness, Rajapaksa commended the efforts of security forces and volunteers engaged in rescue operations but lambasted the government for failing to fulfill commitments made after previous disasters. He remarked, “After Cyclone Ditva, promises went unheeded, leading to unnecessary risks as the same vulnerable communities are affected by recent disasters.”
Call to Address Agricultural Pressures
In a heartfelt appeal, Rajapaksa also focused on the plight of students acing their G.C.E. Advanced Level exams under compounded pressure from environmental disasters and stressed the need for a collaborative approach to land allocation for communities hit hard by these crises. Accusing the government of inaction regarding agricultural issues, he warned that neglecting farmers’ needs would lead to protests, framing their grievances not as politically motivated dissent, but as genuine cries for help.