Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Matale, December 17 (Daily Mirror) – A youth who confronted Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa during his visit to disaster-affected residents in Matale yesterday later surrendered after explaining his concerns.

The incident occurred during a media briefing, when the youth raised his voice and claimed that land inspections in the area had been carried out by an individual known as ‘Dinesh aiya.’ He alleged that all identified plots of safe land had been selected by this individual, while shouting the phrase, Apita ape eka innawa.”

Following the confrontation, MP Rajapaksa called the youth aside and inquired whether he was willing to relocate to a new house and whether he had any objections to doing so. He advised the youth on the importance of listening to others and said he was aware of the hardships faced by residents in the aftermath of the disaster.

Supporters surrounding MP Rajapaksa attempted to chase the youth away, citing what they described as his indecent behaviour. However, the MP intervened and prevented the situation from escalating, emphasising the need to work collectively to ensure a better future for displaced families.

You look after your Dinesh aiya, I will do my politics. But we cannot keep these people in displaced camps for months. We need to find a solution,” MP Rajapaksa said.

He further stated that any shortcomings of the President or the government should be raised in Parliament and that there was no need to argue at the site. He told the youth that a selection committee should be appointed to determine responsibility, noting that no conclusions could be reached until such a process was completed.

My politics is different, and I do not put blame on anyone. If I want to blame, there are many people to be mentioned. This is not the place to argue. First, we must send these people back to their homes. After that, we can engage in politics from two sides,” he said.

The youth later agreed with MP Rajapaksa’s remarks, after which the two embraced, bringing the incident to a close.