The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana

¶ 01 [4.07 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the time.

¶ 03 Having secured victories in this parliamentary election, I, along with two more of our MPs, have been entrusted with opposition duties. I extend my respects to the people of Gampaha District and my base in Negombo.

¶ 04 The people, across party lines, have delivered a fresh message regarding political authority and process, and chosen the present government. There is a large number of new MPs here — we wish them well. They bear a great responsibility to act with accountability. Some have said “we do not need lessons or views from the opposition.” I do not think that is what the people expect. In a democratic framework, even amid clashes of political ideology, the people expect this House to fulfil duties and responsibilities at decisive moments.

¶ 05 We cannot hide the past. We saw how previous Parliaments deteriorated, and some former ministers are not here today because of it. On the first day, I saw a government minister telling the Opposition Leader: “You are down to forty seats; we have 159 — that is the ground reality.” Such triumphalism is not healthy. We remember when they represented only three percent. Sovereignty rests with the people; power, offices, ministries are not permanent. Understand the mandate or you will face the fate of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

¶ 06 Some say “the country we were handed.” Fine — we all know the state of the country. You have been given charge; now show how you will move forward. This is a bankrupt, impoverished, fallen country. How will you end theft, corruption, and irregularities? How will you ease people’s burdens? What benefits will people get? How will you rebuild the economy, education, and health? Inform this House. We know there was no time to present a full Budget, hence this Vote on Account.

¶ 07 When budgets are presented, people watch beyond salary increases — the reliefs and benefits. What we see now looks like taking the spoon and serving yourself. MP Kabir Hashim said today that the preceding President’s four-month expenditure head and the current President’s are the same. Going by reports, the same large sums are being allocated for helicopter travel, long motorcades, and Rs. 3.2 billion for advisors. Reasonable doubts arise.

¶ 08 On borrowing: someone asked “is taking loans a sin?” We see loans being taken — that is fine; we must, as there is no other way to repay. But what was said before differs from now. Perhaps on assuming office they understood ground realities.

¶ 09 On rice: you spoke of a “rice mafia,” yet rice is being imported now as a short-term solution; given flood-related crop losses, imports may continue for some time. We had hoped for more. The public too has reasonable doubts.

¶ 10 On coconuts and gas, blaming “mafias” will not solve problems; the government must intervene. One minister said people are queuing to pay taxes. Of course they are — who wants court cases when notices arrive? If people truly cannot pay, they should be allowed to declare “nil.” Glib talk is not practical.

¶ 11 We still await justice for victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks. Regarding this Vote on Account, we clearly stated after discussion with party leaders that if Standing Orders 27 and 121(2) are to be suspended, it must be presented to Parliament. Public Financial Management Act provisions cannot be violated. Dayasiri Jayasekara said one could go to court — though our Constitution may lack a specific provision akin to India’s. We should not proceed outside legal processes and bring Parliament and government into difficulty. Thank you for the time.