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

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, in this debate on Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, many comments were made about the salt shortfall.

¶ 02 Sri Lanka is an island, and in the past we produced enough salt domestically. Recent climate shifts caused a short‑term shortfall, so restrictions were eased and imports allowed. Since then, the Opposition has tried to blame the National People’s Power (NPP) Government for every “shortage” — first rice, then coconuts, now salt. The real cause is decades of poor planning by past governments.

¶ 03 Our main salterns are at Puttalam, Aranayake (sethu/anaiyiravu — Elephant Pass), Hambantota, and Mannar. Most still use traditional methods. Only after the NPP came to power were modern methods introduced at Elephant Pass. Through Fare/Sathosa proper distribution was ensured and people got salt without shortages. Some make it their habit to blame the Government for everything. There is a Tamil proverb: “A dish without salt ends in the garbage.” Likewise, the Opposition’s words end up in the garbage of public opinion. They speak to make headlines, without substance.

¶ 04 Yesterday someone freed from prison now speaks here as if saintly. Those who ruined the economy act righteous. Some who should be in prison are here sowing confusion — it is comical.

¶ 05 The NPP Government is implementing Clean Sri Lanka and other national programs, this time including the estate sector which was neglected previously. Under Clean Sri Lanka we have begun rehabilitating line rooms — 79 company‑managed schemes and 8 privately managed — starting with Kahawatte and Opatha estates in Ratnapura District, with Rs. 112.5 million raised from sponsors such as Unilever, Colombo Tea Traders’ Association, and Akbar Brothers. We are rehabilitating line rooms so families can live with dignity until land rights and individual housing are realized. Our aim remains land and homes for estate communities, the backbone of the economy.

¶ 06 Those who enjoyed power and luxury for years now criticize the NPP after only a few months in office, expecting what they failed to do in 76 years. The people trust this Government to deliver; give it time.

¶ 07 The Opposition spreads baseless allegations to poison minds. All communities — Tamil, Sinhala, and Muslim — have placed confidence in the NPP. In a short time we have stabilized the economy; as growth returns, people’s problems will be resolved and we will ensure a country without ethnic division where all live in peace. Those now shouting in Parliament — investigations are proceeding and soon everyone will reach the place they deserve.

¶ 08 Since we spoke much of salt today, let me end with a proverb: “He who eats salt will drink water.” Likewise, he who errs will face punishment. None will escape under the NPP. We will fulfill our pledges, advance the nation, and ensure a prosperous country and a better life. Thank you.