Hon. (Mrs.) Hiruni Wijesinghe, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity. When we assumed office, the agricultural sector was flattened; farmers were on their knees. We pledged to uplift farmers and strengthen them economically. As a Government, we acted from the outset. As a result, we set a guaranteed price for paddy this season, giving farmers strong economic support. People brought paddy in unexpected volumes to Government stores; in some provinces, existing stores were insufficient and new ones had to be built. We strengthened the paddy farmer. Now, through Sathosa, that paddy is being provided to consumers at concessionary prices.

¶ 02 I heard Opposition MPs claim difficulties for consumers in buying Ponni Samba and Keeri Samba. In past regimes, their friends profited illegally; since we assumed power and closed those avenues, they are frustrated. Only about 20% of the population uses Ponni and Keeri Samba. We can import the required amount at this time; the majority do not use those varieties, so there is no major issue for general consumers.

¶ 03 On the Special Commodity Levy Order: we promised to give onion and potato farmers a fair price, just as we did for paddy. We are doing so. A former President once asked people, “Did you eat Bombay onions? Did you fry potatoes?” when flood damage pushed onion prices to Rs. 600–700. Now, instead of such taunts, we have increased the levy on imported big onions from Rs. 40 to 50, and on potatoes from Rs. 60 to 80, while ensuring onions are available at concessionary prices through Sathosa, and domestic onions too become available at fair prices. So there is no need to weep about onions and potatoes.

¶ 04 We also have before us a 113-year-old Excise Ordinance. The Excise Department’s core duties are collecting duty on liquor, granting and cancelling licences, and enforcement. These Rules focus on increasing excise revenue. In 2024, excise generated Rs. 225.5 billion; this year the target is Rs. 242 billion, and by the tenth month the target is within reach. On tobacco, Rs. 1.2 billion in 2024; this year, expected Rs. 2 billion. By May 2025, the Department had achieved 104% of target in six months. These Rules will legally strengthen the Department.

¶ 05 Public and private employees receive salaries on set dates; similarly, tax remittances must have fixed dates. Accordingly, duty for the 1–15 period must be paid by month-end (30th/31st), and duty for the 16–end period by the 15th of the following month. Thus, a maximum one month to pay. Late payment will attract a 3% surcharge. Earlier, six months were allowed before cancelling a licence. Now, if unpaid, after 90 days the licence will be cancelled, and operations can be halted after three months. These Rules will significantly help bring excise revenue into a proper legal framework.

¶ 06 Before we came to power, some, leveraging friendships with Ministers, avoided paying the Treasury. Now we are recovering large sums through legal action and cases. What was siphoned off then, we are now bringing in under a proper framework.

¶ 07 Under the Ordinance, Excise Officers have enforcement powers on illicit liquor and narcotics. To increase revenue, they must act. There is a perception that Police handle these and Excise is sidelined. From the 31st of this month, the national operation “Ratama Ekata” to defeat the poison of drugs begins. I trust Excise officers will join Police to eradicate illicit liquor and dangerous drugs.

¶ 08 As a Government, we value our structured steps to strengthen farmers. Due to adverse weather, vegetable prices rose, but over the past ten months, agricultural incomes flowed fairly to farmers and consumers, maintaining price stability and benefiting both. With normalization, both farmers and consumers will see a good season. Thank you.