The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure

¶ 01 [4.19 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the current economic situation. For 76 years our country has suffered not only economically but in many spheres including culture. After the 2024 Presidential Election and change of Government, we have created a new political culture.

¶ 03 In the past, the country was driven into the abyss and the economy destroyed; national resources were sold cheaply abroad. After we came to power, we are eliminating corruption, governing with integrity, and gradually rebuilding the economy. We cancelled many privileges for former MPs, Ministers and Presidents, enacted laws benefiting the people, and were delivering benefits when the unexpected “Ditva” cyclone caused extensive damage. With courage and resolve, we have been providing relief never before given.

¶ 04 Earlier, hill-country people affected by disasters received at most Rs. 10,000 — and only with the District Secretary’s approval. Now, through special Cabinet approval, we have decided to grant Rs. 5 million to rebuild houses for hill-country families affected by the cyclone — a historic change.

¶ 05 They said plantation workers’ wages could not be increased; we have increased them. For plantation workers, we are providing Rs. 5 million with 10 perches of land to build houses. For those not working on estates, we allow obtaining land outside and still receive the Rs. 5 million — without ethnic discrimination. We have proven this Government serves all. We have commenced three housing programmes in the hills: the Indian Housing Scheme, a Sri Lankan Government-funded scheme, and a Disaster Housing Scheme — to be expedited.

¶ 06 The current situation is known to all. The cyclone is a natural disaster beyond our control; similarly, the Gulf war challenges the global economy. The current fuel and commodity price increases are not caused by our Government but by global economic pressures necessitating adjustments. Nevertheless, our Government and the President are taking measures to protect the people.

¶ 07 When the President comes to Parliament, the Opposition trembles. There is a proverb: “A calm sea never made a skilled sailor.” A skilled sailor navigates even in storms by using the compass and finding the right course. Likewise, our President Anura Kumara Dissanayake faces and manages challenges and leads the country to a better state. It is a blessing for us and the entire nation to have such a leader. Other countries appreciate his global conduct; he has become a leader discussed worldwide.

¶ 08 An Opposition Member earlier mocked “Aswesuma.” He derided poor people’s allowances. Those who once showed cobras and ruined the country have no right to criticise today. Through the President’s new reliefs, the Rs. 10,000 Aswesuma payment for families below the poverty line has been increased to Rs. 15,000, and the Rs. 17,500 allowance increased to Rs. 25,000. Smallholding tea producers receive fertilizer subsidies. For fishers, we have announced fuel relief: the Government bears Rs. 100 per litre of diesel and Rs. 20 per litre of petrol.

¶ 09 We are undertaking major development in the hills. Recent G.C.E. A/L results show Tamil-medium schools achieving top results both district-wide and nationally. We rejoice; hill-country education is improving.

¶ 10 There are few Tamil-speaking police officers. Now applications are called to recruit 7,500 police officers. Tamil youth should seize this opportunity to serve and ensure services are accessible in Tamil.

¶ 11 The Opposition, lacking substance, concocts arguments to criticise us. The people are wiser and will not accept such claims. Ours is a people’s Government, delivering services to the people. Whatever the obstacles, we will take the country forward. Thank you.