The Hon. S.M. Marikkar

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, as someone opposed to communalism and separatism, I appreciate the Government’s anti-communal posture. But do not just read it here—implement the law firmly. The Government, Police, and power are yours; enforce the law properly.

¶ 02 According to the expenditure statement, Rs. 1,402 billion is allocated—similar to what former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Government spent from January to April. We were told that stopping corruption, waste and theft would significantly reduce expenditure. If so, where are those savings directed? The estimates do not show.

¶ 03 In 2022, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the country was looking for a leader to borrow. I have the video. He said borrowing is not the solution. Yet now your Government proposes to borrow Rs. 4,000 billion for the first four months—about three times total expenditure. People believe repeated borrowing bankrupted the country. Are you walking the same path?

¶ 04 Earlier, the Hon. MP said the previous Government had no mandate to agree with the IMF or for debt restructuring; we too opposed it. If you still oppose that approach, do not sign. Use your mandate to chart a better path; we will support what is right.

¶ 05 On domestic debt restructuring: the IMF did not ask for it; ISB holders demanded it. Yet the previous Government restructured domestic debt affecting EPF/ETF. As a Government elected with workers’ votes, will you use your mandate to ensure justice to EPF and ETF members?

¶ 06 Hon. Nalinda Bandara Jayamaha asked a question the Minister did not answer: The President’s Senior Adviser, Mr. Duminda Hulugalle, has said 500,000 state employees should be removed. As many of your votes came from postal votes of public servants, do you accept this? Clarify to the nation.

¶ 07 On specific pledges: - On 2024.08.20 at Galgamuwa, President Anura said the Rs. 50 tax on fuel would be removed. When? - On 2024.08.31 he said: if an electricity bill is Rs. 9,000, it will be reduced to Rs. 6,000; if Rs. 3,000, to Rs. 2,000. The CEB is currently making over Rs. 65 billion in profit; under the Act, it is a cost-recovery body, not a profit-making one. Without waiting for PUCSL rounds, calculate from the lowest slab upward and distribute relief—especially to the poorest consumers. - On 2024.08.28, he said Trincomalee oil tanks—10,000 MT per tank—could serve an export-oriented petroleum zone via PPPs. When will this commence?

¶ 08 On rice: - A tender for 70,000 metric tons is out. Reports say mills will release 200,000 kilos (200 MT) a day. With a population of 22 million, that is only about 90 grams per person per day; earlier, he himself said 6,500 MT covers three days. If 20,000 MT could be brought, why need a Government? Please explain timelines and methods.

¶ 09 On taxes: - You promised to reduce PAYE. The previous Government raised PAYE to target Rs. 100 billion but collected about Rs. 140 billion last year, and plans Rs. 200 billion in the first three quarters this year. A private-sector young executive now pays twice: PAYE at income and 18 percent VAT on consumption. If you have an extra Rs. 100 billion from PAYE, will you give relief to these executives?

¶ 10 - You also pledged to remove taxes on food, education, and health, starting with the first budget. You took office in September; by end-April more than six months will have passed—around 10 percent of your term. Will you deliver these benefits within that period?

¶ 11 On FDI and external inflows: - We have not seen concrete project proposals or grant programs approved. Meanwhile, multilateral loans (World Bank, ADB) continue. You say tourism will be the main driver—four million tourists and USD 8 billion in receipts over three years. What is the plan—wildlife, high-end segments, and new sub-sectors? Please detail swift measures.

¶ 12 Finally, do not spend time scolding us. The people made Anura President and gave you two-thirds. Now bring your work plan here. If it is right, we will support. Strengthen checks and balances; give the Opposition more space in oversight committees to ensure transparency.

¶ 13 Thank you.