The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today’s debate is to approve regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969, specifically regarding salt imports.

¶ 02 From morning we heard Opposition Members ask why we debate such matters and spend time and money. If so, why have a Parliament? Why speak of democracy? We come to power by the people’s mandate to discuss national needs, take decisions here—not in back rooms. The people expect us to act democratically and justly for their benefit. We will use Parliament to discuss and decide on national issues. If anyone dislikes that, they can say so—but we will continue, as it is the people’s right to know.

¶ 03 Under these regulations, we discuss imported salt. Our national requirement is about 180,000 MT—around 50,000 MT for industry and 130,000 MT for consumption. Due to recent circumstances, domestic production declined. In Hambantota District—producing about 60% of our salt, around 100,000 MT across Hambantota Maha Lewaya, Bundala and Palatupana, spanning 1,700 acres—production normally occurs in Yala and Maha. In the last Yala season (around January to April), production stopped entirely in all three pans due to increased rainfall and heavy showers. A report I have shows nearly 500 mm rainfall in January 2025 in Hambantota, compared with prior years.

¶ 04 Salt is a natural product—“natural salt.” As the Hon. Deputy Minister Ratna Gamaga explained scientifically, temperature and wind are needed. You cannot schedule it like appam making. In Hambantota, due to climatic changes, we could not produce in the first season. Now, from July to September, we plan around 50,000 MT: 30,000 MT from Hambantota Maha Lewaya, 8,000 MT from Bundala, 11,000 MT from Palatupana, weather permitting. Cutting started June 21 in Hambantota, June 22 in Palatupana, and a week later in the other pan. If rain holds off till September, we can deliver about 50,000 MT. After cutting, salt must mature for months; you can’t send it to market immediately due to necessary chemical processes.

¶ 05 Opposition Members speak without understanding, as if salt were made like hoppers. Until the new harvest is ready, should we let the people run out? No—we must import. If we import, they shout; if we don’t, they shout. Our Ministers have explained the plan. We are rebuilding a damaged system.

¶ 06 Salt is tasty but the story is bitter, especially in Hambantota. I have audit reports of how during the Opposition’s time in government, Chairmen misused salt resources—allocating plots to family and friends, changing lorry numbers, taking permits claiming to go North and dumping elsewhere. Even the Hambantota Mayor once staged a death fast against the appointed Chairman. That is the bitter history.

¶ 07 From 2015–2020 too, there are records. Many across parties were in government; their dealings are well known, especially in Hambantota—politicized recruitments, appointments, permits. We say clearly: the new Government does not act at the whim of a few Opposition Members. Bring your proposals—we will listen and take the good. Our aim is to change the country and build a better future for the people. Thank you.