A discussion was held between the leaders of the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama Organization and the leader of the United Republican Front, Mr. Patali Champika Ranawaka, along with its Eastern Province Muslim leaders at the headquarters of the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama Organization.
During the discussion, various issues and misunderstandings within the Muslim community were addressed at length. Both parties exchanged ideas on how all religious groups can work together for the future of the country and how it can progress along an educated, intelligent, and visionary path. Notably, the two parties shared very progressive ideas to resolve some misunderstandings that had arisen in the past.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the leader of the United Republican Front, Mr. Patali Champika Ranawaka, said:
“Today, we had a discussion with the party’s board of directors, our Muslim leaders, and the Jamiatul Ulama Islamic intellectuals. We discussed the current situation in the country, as well as national and religious issues, because the world has changed. The situation in Sri Lanka has also changed. We also have old situations, and there are new situations. We are grateful for that. We had a good discussion. They do not directly support a political party, but as educated individuals and intellectuals in that society, as a group that leads society religiously, we gained a good understanding of how they think about these issues and how we think.”
When answering questions from journalists, Mr. Patali Champika Ranawaka said that the government is looking for a reason to increase electricity bills.
Question:
The Minister of Electricity says that the profits of the Electricity Board have decreased, which is why the electricity bill has to be increased. Do you think it is fair to increase the price at this time?
Answer:
The Electricity Board cannot increase the price; the Public Utilities Commission increases the price. There was no rain in January, February, or March in the country before he came. However, we must remember that on January 1, the country’s hydropower was in very good condition, with almost 1,200 hours available. That amount should have been utilized. But what is happening today? They are cutting the solar power that is available only on Sundays and Saturdays and instead using oil fuel to generate electricity, incurring a high cost and then telling us that there is a problem because of the flood. There is no problem because of the flood. The issue lies with management. If electricity rates increase or there is a power cut, the minister and the government should be held responsible because the hydropower situation was very good on January 1. Also, the department states that the water level in these tanks is still about eighty percent, with some tanks at ninety percent. There is no issue.
The government did not want to increase these tariffs. The Public Utilities Commission reduced the tariffs. Increasing the tariffs was the desire of the Electricity Board, the minister, and the government at that time. However, the people of the country were told something else—that electricity tariffs would be reduced by one-third. So, they are looking for some reason to increase these electricity tariffs. One reason for that is that we see the cutting of free wind power and solar power as a national crime. This is not only a national crime but also an act that goes against assurances given before our Supreme Court. It is an attempt by the rulers against the common good and a misuse of state property. All these activities will have to be accounted for in the future. We particularly request the people to understand that cutting free wind power and solar power while generating electricity from oil and passing the burden onto the public is both unjust and disgraceful.
Question:
Is it a national security issue or a public security issue?
Answer:
There is no threat to the state, but there is a public security issue. However, that public security issue cannot be resolved through political persecution. A comprehensive program needs to be implemented. We need to accept that a large number of weapons have been circulating in this country for the past thirty years. The JVP seized weapons and did not hand them over. The LTTE also had weapons, and the majority of them were not surrendered. The JVP and LTTE did not return the weapons they took to suppress opposition either. Unless we act more openly and sensitively about this, the issue will not be resolved merely through political persecution and for political gain. If handled improperly, the current public security issue could escalate into a national security issue. At present, we do not see such a national security issue.
Question:
You said in Parliament that receiving intelligence information and conducting an investigation was not enough. Can you elaborate?
Answer:
The Inspector General of Police admitted in court that he received intelligence regarding a threat to his life. Also, an IGP informed the Supreme Court in April 2023 about the procedures to be followed after the arrest of such individuals. The actions taken were completely contrary to the procedures promised to the Supreme Court. Accordingly, this IGP, the Police Secretary, and the Minister have broken the promises made to the Supreme Court.
Question:
Now the National People’s Power government is in place. What is its position? Is it deteriorating?
Answer:
That is for the people to decide. However, one thing must be said. Mr. Anura Dissanayake has made statements in the past opposing everything that is being done today. Yet, he is not following through with what he previously stated.
Question:
Will the people get relief in the future?
Answer:
At this rate, it is not expected.
