The Hon. Ajith Gihan

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate the Expenditure Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, a very important ministry for charting the country’s future and for strengthening diplomatic relations, exports and investments. Yet only one Opposition Member has joined this debate. Previously, the Opposition kept telling the public that the NPP cannot deal with the world or manage state diplomatic relations. But this morning even they acknowledged that Hon. Vijitha Herath is successfully steering the Ministry. Thus, the Opposition has realized we are doing our job properly.

¶ 02 Our economy faced a dollar crisis and a severe collapse. Solutions require this Ministry’s leadership—boosting foreign employment remittances, tourism and investment. Our migrant workers sent about US$ 7.5 billion. We must plan to channel remittances properly. The Opposition, after decades in politics and in these very ministries, could not deliver answers, but now only offers advice.

¶ 03 Tourism once reached about US$ 4 billion. Why did it not go further under them? They must answer. For decades, the economy fell apart under their watch. When ambassadors were appointed based on cronyism, friendships and family ties, our international image eroded. We now must rebuild trust. Investors previously were asked for commissions and left; today we assure them and they are coming with dollars.

¶ 04 Our trade deficit was around US$ 8 billion. Without plans, they catered to cronies and wrecked the economy. Today, with proper governance—curbing corruption and malpractice—we can strengthen this Ministry.

¶ 05 On employment, in areas like Wennappuwa, Nattandiya and Chilaw in Puttalam District, many serve in Italy. Key issues like driving licence renewals in 2008 were neglected by previous governments. Our Minister resolved these recently. Likewise, we are addressing issues around Italian employment visas. We also expect jobs in Korea, Japan and Israel: about 7,600 in South Korea across industrial, agriculture and construction sectors; about 15,900 in Israel across agriculture, construction, care and services; and about 9,300 under Japan’s SSW programme. We will eradicate the corrupt practices seen under Manusha, where money was taken and opportunities destroyed, and ensure fairness.

¶ 06 We will use foreign employment to rebuild the economy within economic democracy, eliminate poverty, end corruption and inefficiency, and serve our migrant workers fairly, expanding opportunities and moving the sector forward. We will expand tourism, attract investors, and strengthen our institutions to uplift the economy. Thank you for the opportunity.