Labor and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara says that the opposition, which fled in search of running shoes when the country collapsed, is waiting for the country to collapse again by pulling the legs of the only person who is taking on challenges for the country.
He also said while participating in the ‘Jayagamu Sri Lanka’ district mobile program held at the Batticaloa Hindu College Stadium yesterday (28) that those parties will start strikes and agitations when they are told that good news will come that the country will be freed from bankruptcy.
In a recent address, a minister lauded the patience and resilience of the people of Madakapalapu, suggesting that their commitment should serve as an example for politicians. He criticized certain political leaders for evading responsibilities during crises, highlighting their tendency to prioritize personal gains over national welfare. The minister accused these leaders of seeking refuge rather than facing challenges head-on, contrasting their actions with the dedication shown by the residents of Batticaloa.
The minister also criticized the closure of over ten thousand schools, referencing a controversial post allegedly from Joseph Stalin, which claimed success in keeping these schools shut. He noted that schools remained closed for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were previously shut down following terrorist attacks. He argued that these closures severely impacted children’s education, especially in provinces already affected by war for thirty years. The lack of electricity and fuel further exacerbated the situation, making it difficult for children to attend school.
Expressing his frustration with trade unions that he believes are happy to disrupt education, the minister proposed a drastic measure. He suggested isolating protestors and strikers who impede national development on Mantiw Island in Batticaloa, where leprosy patients were historically quarantined. This, he argued, would prevent them from returning to society and causing further disruption.
The minister also accused the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) of historically contributing to the country’s problems. He alleged that the JVP trained youth in the north and south to engage in violence, made petrol bombs, created child soldiers, and armed groups like the LTTE and Karuna Amman.
Despite the critical tone, the minister expressed a personal affinity for Batticaloa, describing it as a beautiful and culturally significant city. He noted its appeal as a tourist destination and highlighted its historical connections, expressing a sense of closeness and familiarity with the region.
