Namal questions President’s reported popularity amid hunger claims

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has cast doubt on survey findings that claim 75% of citizens support the President, pointing out that such figures contradict reports stating that half the country is starving. “Now there is a report saying half the country is starving. But 75% support the President. Which is true? Either the starvation report is false, because a starving person cannot say he supports Anura Kumara if he has no way to eat three meals. Otherwise, the person who made that report must be lying,” he said, speaking at a meeting in the Puttalam electorate on July 19. Rajapaksa went on to criticize the government, accusing it of misleading the public with false promises and failing to address economic hardships. He argued that the current administration had abandoned cultural and religious values, burdened citizens with excessive taxes, and neglected pressing issues such as the shortage of medicines and rising dengue cases in the Western Province. He contrasted this with the SLPP’s record, claiming that under Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership, taxes were reduced, jobs were protected even during COVID, and infrastructure projects such as Port City, Nelum Kuluna, and highways were delivered. Rajapaksa further alleged that the government is suppressing dissent by targeting state workers, entrepreneurs, religious leaders, and citizens, while protecting allies. “If they think they can rule for 20 years by intimidation, they are wrong. We ruled for 10 years by working. To rule for 20 years, you must work for 100. We must build a country suitable for future generations. We believe we can create a nation that respects culture, humanity, and the environment, and build a modern political force,” Rajapaksa said. He urged supporters to unite politically at grassroots level to build a force against what he described as a corrupt and repressive administration. (Newswire)