MR trying to rise again Kiriella asks Chamal to advise MR on relinquishing power

• ”Parliamentarian Chamal Rajapaksa on an earlier occassion claimed that  Mahinda Rajapaksa did not relinquish power at the right time”
• Seeking assistance from the IMF alone would not resolve the present crisis

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera   

Claiming that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was trying to revamp his political party, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella requested Parliamentarian Chamal Rajapaksa to advise him on relinquishing power as the brother.  

He told Parliament that Parliamentarian Chamal Rajapaksa on an earlier occassion claimed that Mahinda Rajapaksa did not relinquish power at the right time and that one should learn to relinquish power.  

“Mahinda Rajapaksa is trying to rise again. Chamal Rajapaksa, you as the brother, should advise him on relinquishing power as taught by  Buddhism. You once said Mahinda Rajapaksa did not relinquish power at the right time,” he said.  

Speaking during the debate on 22A, the MP said the country was completely destroyed and that it was beyond repair now.  

He said seeking assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) alone would not resolve the present crisis and that some USD 12 billion was required annually for import of fuel, food and to pay back loans.  

“The IMF will only provide USD 2.9 billion. We need USD 12 billion annually until 2025 for import of fuel, food and loan repayment. Seeking IMF assistance alone will not address the present crisis,” he said.