The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson. I thank all the people of Anuradhapura who, whether voting for me or not, empowered me to represent the District in Parliament. They expect me to fulfill a great duty and responsibility, and I will not betray that trust in Parliament or in my political life.

¶ 02 At this moment, farmers in Anuradhapura face many crises. A Government Member said Rs. 25,000 has already been paid as fertilizer relief. I state responsibly: no farmer in Anuradhapura has received the full Rs. 25,000; sums like Rs. 3,000 or Rs. 4,000 have been paid in parts. Please fulfill your promise as stated; without fertilizer relief, farmers are in severe distress. Though they struggled to cultivate, they now face floods again. While in Opposition, particularly Mr. Namal Karunaratne said Rs. 40,000 per acre for flood damage was insufficient and demanded Rs. 100,000 per acre and compensation for other crops too. I ask you to consider that now. The people are in difficulty; please pay attention.

¶ 03 As new MPs, while we debate the Vote on Account, we should not keep speaking about 76 years of politics and the past. The people, through proportional representation, have given a huge mandate to the current Government to change the system. There is no use of the old talk. If we speak of 76 years, all here—Government and Opposition—must take responsibility. This is a state that suffered two insurrections, with massive destruction of public property. All who supported governments since 1994 must answer for the 76-year history.

¶ 04 During the election, the Government made many promises: to bring before the law those who engaged in massive corruption and theft; to bring forward 400 files with evidence; and to prosecute. We request you to fulfill those promises swiftly. The people are watching. Until you do, allow us in Opposition to question you. We do so for the people—not as a threat. Please answer, and carry out the right actions. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.