Former MP Dilum Amunugama of Sarvajana Balaya claimed that Mahinda Rajapaksa is not a “monitor lizard (thalagoya)” from Thambuttegama, taking a jab at incumbent President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Amunugama criticised the President for appearing on television to justify the government’s failures.

Speaking at a public event, Amunugama accused the current government of engaging in a political witch hunt against Rajapaksa, who he credited with ending terrorism and saving millions of lives.

“If this government attempts to harm him, we will rally against it without hesitation. Rajapaksa is not some small monitor lizard from Thambuttegama,” Amunugama declared, aiming his remarks directly at Dissanayake.

He further criticised the administration, stating, “This is a lesson for the people. Now the government is making excuses for its failures. That’s what happens when you take power by spreading lies. They lack the capability to move the country forward. The people will deliver a fitting response at the upcoming Local Government elections.”