Got absolutely nothing by campaigning for the Rajapaksas - Mr Koththu video after the assault

When Mr. Koththu's employees were assaulted and owner Viraj was being heavily criticized, he presented a video with three employees, and he said this:

"This is it, there's something I need to say first. Where is this young man working from? Avissawella? Avissawella. Are you from Polonnaruwa? This is Polonnaruwa, Avissawella. Did I ask who you guys voted for? Oh no, no. Is there any politics inside this? Is there a rule that says we only feed Pohottuwa (SLPP) supporters, or only JVP members?"

This is how it is. This case is nineteen years old. It would have been good if you had looked into that case before. Taking it up is a completely different matter. You should properly examine that case. It's like this, it's also on top of the hand. By what power does it go on top of the hand without a stand? However, I was there in that case that day. I admit that. That's a different story.

If they're slandering me politically, and if black money has been whitened, then fine, no problem. So now it's your government, isn't it? Your government, go and file a case. How did I get money? How did these people get this vehicle? How were these shops opened? You find out. The police are in your hands, the CID is there, or else the court is there. You have a president, you have a prime minister. Everything is yours. Is it mine? Is it mine, who sold koththu? No, it's not mine.

You can investigate that — where did it come from? How is it done? You can find out how these businesses are run. Don't just come here falsely, like people who don't have a cent in the shop, like madmen, trying to get entangled. That's the main thing I need to say. Meanwhile, yesterday, those who are formed, who don't even have food, are here. Those who don't have a mouthful of rice. They are jealous of people like us. Brother, if you are beautiful, they are jealous, if you are fair, they are jealous, if you have a vehicle, they are jealous. Tell me what they did yesterday.

Tell me, brother, tell me. Twenty feet. Okay, come forward and close these, close these. If you can, come to my face and do it. These innocent boys. Now I'm going to make the video in a bit, okay? If you have any problem, if you guys have a problem with Mr. Koththu, there's the police, there's the court. Go there and solve your problems. Instead of that, coming and scaring these innocent boys, saying "we'll shoot, we'll smash," what is this shameless act, buddy? Then they say, "we'll shoot, these are stories that came with covering up, we're not scared." Really? Were you scared? Huh? Be scared, brother, to steal, to sell drugs, to sell ganja, to sell ice. Or else, don't be scared of madmen who follow anyone's orders. If we die today, that's a problem for our Sinhala nation. I have no problem with that. I'm saying if there's a mistake in this, this is an institution that employs over two hundred boys in Sri Lanka. If you think I've made a mistake, then take this from me and hand it over to the government. If my money is black money, then you guys take it over. Don't take it and put your own thing and make these innocent boys lose their jobs.

After that, don't threaten these innocent people, scare them, and pull such foolish stunts. Honestly, I don't have a problem with being hit. At this moment, I have a small problem with those who jump into shops and make noise. I posted all of that. Today, we have filed a complaint about it. Be ready to face social media with that. I don't know. I believe the law will be properly enforced. We believe we will receive the correct decisions from the court. Don't do it again, don't do it to another business. You hit me. Hit me. Yes. I'm telling you now, it's a 2009 case. As of today, that case is seventeen years old. Seventeen years.

Also, I know about the person who filed that case. It's not someone who filed the case, but someone who was with us. Back then, he was the one who strongly supported Mahinda Rajapaksa's camp. He supported them heavily and got nothing in return. The person who filed that case strongly supported that rally at the time. He didn't just support us, he also strongly supported the UNP. After losing face with both, he's now supporting the Jathika Jana Balawegaya (NPP/JVP's 'Compass' symbol). So, this is how it is. I've overcome many more difficulties than this to get here. If shops are to be closed, we will close them. If you want to close shops, take legal steps. Don't come into shops acting like thugs. If you can, come to my house, or where I am, if you can, come to my face and say it. Prove it.

No fear, no debt. You guys can't even light a lamp. Don't be scared, you fools. Now work without fear. Understood? Don't come here and make noise. If you have a problem, take legal action. Take this over. Take it over and let the government do it, provide a solution. No problem. Don't make boys lose their jobs. Then who will you be from tomorrow? Give one and be a public servant. Victory be yours!"

Watch the video related to this incident ›