Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, listening to the previous speech, I wonder whether he heard what the President and Ministers have been saying. They earlier claimed that, after December, no parboiled rice would be imported, and that Poonni Samba imports were arranged while Keeri Samba stocks existed domestically. If the Government widens licensing beyond a few, monopolies reduce—that is good.

¶ 02 On potatoes and onions, there have been many issues. Levies should be gazetted by the President, but Ministers with allegations still handle processes, creating room for corruption. The Government’s stance of avoiding imports is acceptable provided consumers are not harmed; however, policy must be consistent, and future harvests must not be undermined.

¶ 03 On Excise rules: allowing one month to settle arrears (beyond the previous six months) and then cancelling licences is fine. But before coming to power, the Government promised to cancel politically granted bar permits issued during the Ranil Wickremesinghe period as bribes. Yet, in Kilinochchi District alone, supporters reportedly received permits; I have submitted names to the CID, but no investigation has followed.

¶ 04 Further, I raise an allegation regarding two Government figures—an MP from the NPP and a State Minister—meeting a businessman at the Kingsbury Hotel concerning the Kalutara Co-operative Distillery (Angangoda/Malegoda/Payagala), a historic permit (since the 1950s) allowing import and distribution. Litigation is ongoing over control. I possess a “Letter of Interest to Lease and Restart the Co-operative Distilleries Society, Payagala.” I urge an immediate investigation into whether any improper dealings occurred.