The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, in this debate on four Gazettes—a set of proposals has been presented to frame Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act. This is an amendment to the Special Import Licence Regulations, No. 01 of 2023, published by Gazette Extraordinary No. 2312/77 of 01 January 2023. As discussed here, we are still debating measures presented as far back as May last year. Nevertheless, we are today debating a very recent measure.

¶ 02 Our National People’s Power Government acts efficiently. When we see a problem, we respond quickly. We have addressed the rice issue efficiently. We understand shortages arose due to lack of maintenance and absence of proper processes. On the 16th and 20th of this month, the Army has already rehabilitated 30 paddy stores. We aim to refurbish and use the 209 stores long abandoned. Without storage, even if we import or produce rice, we cannot store it or release it properly to the market. There must be a proper method to procure paddy from producers and release rice to the market in a timely manner. As we learned from childhood: “The farmer who turns the soil is fit even to be king.” Yet due to the absence of proper mechanisms to purchase, store and release produce, such crises arise.

¶ 03 We recall similar issues in Kandy District including my electorate Nawalapitiya. In a past period, organic fertilizer was imposed without study or expectation, mandating immediate use. Data from Kandy show: “the percentage of the use of both chemical and organic fertilizers was 57 per cent in 2022 and 2023 Maha Season. Only chemical fertilizers have been applied in about 42 per cent of the sown extent. Use of only organic fertilizers was less than 1 per cent of the sown extent.” Thus even in 2022–2023, organic fertilizer use existed in combination. It is unacceptable to later say, “I imported organic fertilizer because the then leader told me to,” and shed crocodile tears before the people; it was not out of concern for farmers or anyone else—just self‑preservation.

¶ 04 Last year there was a shortage of Keeri Samba rice. At retail level, it was unavailable to ordinary buyers, but if one had connections or met set purchase thresholds—e.g., buy goods worth Rs. 5,000 to get 5 kg Keeri Samba; Rs. 10,000 to get 10 kg—one could obtain it. Media did not highlight this then as they do now. Some media today selectively dramatize. They manufacture non‑issues and spread fear, without caring for the people. We have ensured the staple food—rice—is available without shortage.

¶ 05 The Opposition previously stated in this House they would not hand over the Government to “Gotabaya’s Government”—thank you; even the Opposition now accepts that our Government’s continuance is in the people’s interest. Some Members quoted various data; when shown real data, it will not suit them.

¶ 06 I have here the Prime Minister’s Office expenditure. In 2023, the allocation was Rs. 1,137.50 million; actual spent Rs. 1,078.62 million. For 2024, allocation Rs. 1,180.6 million; actual spent Rs. 906.59 million. Fuel expenses by month: January Rs. 3.0 million; February Rs. 3.2 million; March Rs. 3.6 million; April Rs. 3.4 million; May Rs. 3.2 million; June Rs. 3.2 million; July Rs. 3.2 million; September Rs. 2.4 million. The Presidential Election was on 21 September; October fuel expense fell to Rs. 0.3 million; November Rs. 0.5 million; December Rs. 0.48 million.

¶ 07 For bulletproof vehicle insurance, Rs. 37.61 million had been spent in 2024; with those vehicles handed back to the Presidential Secretariat upon the new PM’s appointment, a saving of Rs. 37.65 million annually is expected. Maintenance of those vehicles cost Rs. 16.15 million in 2024; this will no longer arise.

¶ 08 This shows our Government’s path—ensuring people’s welfare and development—will be pursued successfully. Thank you.