SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said he was willing to remain in prison for 500 days if his imprisonment brought economic relief to the public and helped protect the country’s cultural heritage.
In a statement issued ahead of what he described as his 50th day in prison, the SLPP national organizer criticized the Government’s handling of the economy, questioning why people had received no relief despite claims that the Treasury was overflowing.
He accused the Government of attempting to conceal the country’s problems by focusing attention on the Rajapaksa family, arguing that this reflected its inability to address pressing public concerns.
Rajapaksa said he would willingly remain imprisoned if electricity bills could be reduced by two-thirds, fuel sold at its import price, salaries increased every six months, and interest-free bank loans provided without collateral.
He also referred to making Toyota Vitz cars available for around Rs. 1.2 million, reducing rice prices and removing taxes on healthcare, education and essential goods.
“If my country can benefit and our cultural heritage can be protected, then I am willing to remain imprisoned for not just 50 days, but even 500 days,” he said.
Referring to the death of the tusker Kawanthissa, Rajapaksa expressed sadness over the failure to protect the animal, which he described as part of the country’s cherished heritage.
He said Sri Lanka’s cultural identity was deeply rooted in Buddhism and called for religion and heritage to be treated with respect. While acknowledging that democratic societies allowed debate on religion and culture, he condemned insults, distortion and the promotion of hatred and violence.
Rajapaksa also paid tribute to his father, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and suggested that his family background and public support were factors behind attempts to keep him imprisoned.
He expressed confidence that the courts would ultimately find him not guilty and acquit him.
“Although you may imprison me, you cannot imprison the aspirations of the people who stand with our camp,” he said.
