The Hon. (Ms.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, thank you for the opportunity to make my maiden speech in the Tenth Parliament.

¶ 02 This is a country where education, health, and agriculture were all driven to collapse. The people entrusted power to a political movement to rebuild. I am proud to be a representative of that movement. Over recent days, Opposition Members have spoken as if they handed over a self-sufficient nation, when in fact they left us nothing to work with. I state with responsibility: within five years, we will build a country where you cannot again point fingers. If, after five years, such accusations still stand, hold us to account. Until then, be patient; we are prepared to deliver what the people expect, and to show results even before five years.

¶ 03 Today we discussed education and the funds allocated. Questions were raised about limiting the school stationery allowance to Aswesuma children. The President stated in Parliament that consideration will be given to providing for all children. Those who question this apparently did not listen to his statement. We regret such questioning in the face of that assurance.