Sri Lanka’s first visually impaired MP, Sugath Wasantha de Silva of the NPP, delivered an emotional response in Parliament today (5 March) to Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dayasiri Jayasekara’s derogatory remarks against him.

Jayasekara, at a recent public gathering, criticized the NPP’s political slogan referring to Sri Lanka’s political history as a ‘76-year curse’. In his statement, Jayasekara singled out de Silva, saying:

“There is this MP, Sugath Wasantha de Silva, in the NPP. He cannot see. He doesn’t know us, he can only touch our hands and recognize us by name. And yet, he is talking about the 76-year curse, even though he cannot see.”

Jayasekara’s comments sparked public outcry, prompting demands for him to apologize not only to MP de Silva but to the entire disabled community in Sri Lanka.

After the backlash, Jayasekara posted an apology on Facebook, stating he regretted his remarks if they had caused hurt. However, he did not specifically mention Sugath Wasantha de Silva in the post, clarifying that his intention was to highlight what he considered the illogical nature of the NPP’s political slogan.

In response, Sugath Wasantha de Silva spoke out in Parliament, recalling how, during their time at university, Jayasekara had often sought his advice on politics.

“Visually impaired people like me can touch someone’s hand and recognize them. It’s a unique ability we have. This person (Jayasekara) used to meet me during university, grasp my hand, call me ‘aiya,’ and discuss political matters. Yes, we can recognize people by touch, but unfortunately, we cannot see what’s in their hearts. If I could, I would never have held his hand if I knew how sinister he is,” de Silva said, visibly emotional.

The NPP MP emphasized that no one understands the ’76-year curse’ better than people with disabilities, as they have been among the most severely affected by decades of flawed political decisions and systemic neglect.