Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe states that he has never said that he will do politics by riding a bus, train or bicycle and insists that he has never promised that he will not do anything that the people do not want. He challenges anyone to produce proof, saying “show if there is any such reference in my policy manifesto.”
He points out that the rulers who governed the country for the past 76 years have failed to build a nation where politics can be conducted using public transportation. According to him, the lack of a modern and efficient public transport system is a long standing failure and the public should understand the real background behind the criticism directed at him.
He explains that if Sri Lanka had been built into a country where trains run on time and public transport functions properly, politicians could have used buses or trains for political activities without difficulty. He highlights that punctual and reliable transport is part of responsible governance and that the absence of such a system reflects the negligence of past administrations.
He adds that government vehicles assigned for official duties are extremely old and dilapidated and have to be repaired repeatedly due to frequent faults. He points out that this is the main reason the government is now purchasing new vehicles to restore efficiency and ensure uninterrupted official work. He clarified his position during a discussion on Independent Television and urged the public to examine facts rather than political rumours.
