An irked opposition leader yesterday slammed ‘certain’ leftist parties for insulting the school bus donation program initiated by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa said while the parties cannot carry out similar programs, they are insulting and mocking the SJB’s efforts in creating a system change while focusing on the development of the health and education sectors in Sri Lanka.

“They mocked the donation and questioned if the country can be handed over to an SLTB driver,” Premadasa said referring to recent comments made by National People’s Power (NPP) member Dr Nalinda Jayatissa.

Attending a recent public meeting, Dr Jayatissa said that while donating buses to schools is admirable, if there was a need for Premadasa to put on a show by driving the bus up to 4 kilometres to the school. “Can the country be handed over to an SLTB driver?” Jayatissa had quipped adding that Premadasa believes he can win votes by acting in this manner.

In response, Premadasa pointed out that the current Indian Prime Minister was once a tea seller on trains going on to become the Premier later in life. “If he has the capability, dedication and humanity even a bus driver can go beyond the Presidency,” he said.

Premadasa made these comments while attending an event to donate a bus worth Rs. 5 million to the Avissawella Seethawaka National School through the SJB’s Sakwala program.

The opposition leader said while the SJB utilises party funds to provide medicine, school buses and computers, those mocking these efforts are using funds collected from the public to build luxurious offices.

Premadasa said instead of belittling the SJB, these parties should also take it upon themselves to help the country’s people. “While the bankrupt Government is failing to serve the people, we as the opposition continue to help the public through three programs,” he said.