The Government has failed to listen to the demands of doctors and other professionals while borrowing funds to import luxury vehicles for its own use, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa charged yesterday.

Speaking to journalists in response to questions on the reported return of Basil Rajapaksa to Sri Lanka, Rajapaksa said it was “shameful” that the Government was willing to take loans to import vehicles for Ministers while neglecting the needs of patients and the strained public healthcare system.

“The Government does not listen to the demands of doctors or professionals in this country, but it is ready to borrow money to import cabs for itself. It is ashamed to display equipment procured for the tri-forces and police to end the war, but has no shame in borrowing to import vehicles for its own comfort,” he said.

Rajapaksa urged the Government to prioritise public healthcare, noting that ordinary citizens were suffering in Government hospitals. He called on the authorities to divert funds earmarked for vehicle imports to the health sector and to respond to what he described as the reasonable demands of medical professionals.

Commenting on the party’s political strategy, Rajapaksa said the SLPP was focused on strengthening its grassroots-level organisation, with increasing numbers of supporters who had previously distanced themselves now returning to the party. He said new members, particularly young people with practical political experience, were joining the party.

“All decisions will ultimately depend on elections. At this moment, there is no need to discuss alliances as there is no election scheduled,” he said.