The Hon. (Ms.) Oshani Umanga

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, first let me thank the dear people of the Horana seat and Kalutara District who elected me as a Member of the Tenth Parliament.

¶ 02 From Kalutara, we achieved a resounding victory, winning 8 of 11 seats, thanks to the tireless efforts of many whom I remember with respect.

¶ 03 This is a deeply gratifying moment. Thirty years ago, in 1994, we had only one MP in this House; now, 30 years later, following the lead of that Hon. Member who first cried out alone, we see 159 Members filling this Chamber. Most of these 159 are new to the House, but not new to the people who sent them—people who, for decades, worked honestly for a better life for all, who struggled and steadfastly held on in adversity. We will transform our bankrupt nation step by step into a prosperous country and uplift living standards so that all enjoy beautiful lives. I say this with confidence.

¶ 04 As we clearly stated before the election, we have already begun taking the country from a dark, defeated, decayed era into a new renaissance. A competent, honest team is now shouldering responsibilities of the State. We are updating outdated state processes to improve productivity and taking rapid measures to digitize the country. Corruption and bribery will not be tolerated; even opposing groups acknowledge this. Seeing our progressive steps, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and SMEs are lining up to create industries, expand production capacity, and strengthen the productive economy.

¶ 05 I also note the representation of women. In the last Parliament, women were around 5 percent; now it has nearly doubled. A majority of the women Members in this Tenth Parliament are from our side. The Women’s Caucus was recently re-established with Minister Saroja Polraj as Chairperson. Our Government will prioritize resolving women’s issues and ensuring beautiful lives for them.

¶ 06 Within a short span, we have shattered the “glass ceiling” in the public service. Our Prime Minister is a woman; so is the Chief Justice. Many Secretaries to Ministries are women. Recently, for the first time in history, a woman was appointed as Director of the CID. We are also opening avenues for women as policymakers to be part of the development process.

¶ 07 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, may I have one more minute?

¶ 08 “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Lives” lays out clear measures which we will swiftly make reality. In 5.2 million households, women bear most of the burden of household economic management. Due to the crises created by the previous administration, mothers and wives suffered most from the collapse of household finances. Our Government’s measures—raising welfare, giving Rs. 6,000 for children’s school supplies, increasing pensions of senior citizens by Rs. 3,000, raising Aswasuma to Rs. 10,000 from Rs. 8,500, increasing the Rs. 15,000 allowance to Rs. 17,500, granting fertilizer subsidies, and fuel subsidies for fishers—give significant relief to women’s household management.

¶ 09 Let us provide the necessary laws and financial backing to make these a success and lay the foundation to lift this fallen country to prosperity and ensure beautiful lives for all citizens. I make this appeal in my maiden speech. Thank you.