The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate several important Bills with reforms that support advancing the economy and developing our industrial sector: the Institution of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka Bill; the Licensing of Container Depot Operators Bill; and the (Amendment) Bill to license ship agents, non-vessel operating common carriers, and container operators. Government Members, including Hon. Ministers and State Ministers, have already presented details.

¶ 02 In the recent past, our country experienced instability and collapse across many sectors, approaching sovereign bankruptcy. Society has passed judgment on who is responsible. Therefore, the people mandated President Anura Dissanayake and the National People’s Power to govern, to lift the nation from where it had sunk. By overcoming that state and moving forward, we restored macroeconomic stability by end-2025 and achieved performance metrics previous governments could not secure—recording higher values across key indicators.

¶ 03 Our government, led by President Anura Dissanayake, identified and halted the weaknesses, errors, and corrupt practices of past regimes, and pursued correct, democratic policies for the people. Still, more must be done to build an economy and society that will safeguard future generations, with sound systems. These Bills and amendments lay foundations for future successes.

¶ 04 Today, I observed certain Opposition Members speaking with anger and agitation. It seems they face a serious crisis. Recently, the Leader of the Opposition and others, relying on the agitation of School Development Officers and attempting to give them “oxygen,” expected us to delay. However, after discussion with the President on the 2nd, the issue was resolved; those officers ended their fast with thanks and blessings for the President. The Opposition Leader, who was waiting with appointment letters to sign, was left confounded. Their attempts fail within days; this is unfortunate even for an enemy. The public sees these failures.

¶ 05 An Opposition Member spoke about war and war heroes. We saw what their fathers, sons, and clans did—how, using the victory and the tri-forces, they planned power projects, and how Gen. Sarath Fonseka was treated. Soldiers were used to harvest coconuts on their estates, walk dogs, and run personal errands. Under this government, professionals are not humiliated; due respect is ensured.

¶ 06 Yesterday, the nation celebrated the 78th Independence Day with pride. The “Golden Sri Lanka” program inspired society to unite, set aside pettiness, and prioritize “Let’s Build Sri Lanka,” under the leadership of the President. The Opposition’s expectations did not materialize; hence their panic.

¶ 07 They also face two problems: first, the lies they told about us before we came to power have been exposed as lies. Second, we are fulfilling promises to the people. Thus, they are disoriented.

¶ 08 For example, at the meeting between our President Anura Dissanayake and the Indian Prime Minister, the Indian Government responded to the President’s request by arranging, for the first time outside India, the exposition of the Sarvajna Relics in Sri Lanka. From 6.00 a.m. today until the 11th, people from home and abroad can venerate them. Yet the Opposition had claimed that under us there would be no Dalada Perahera, no temples or churches, no space for religion. The people see the truth.

¶ 09 We promised to provide the necessary environment for the law to act against the corrupt, fraudsters, and criminals. The government does not punish or prosecute; we create the environment for the law and justice institutions to function. When they do so, some out on bail parade before the media claiming “political victimization.” On one side, their lies about us are exposed; on the other, our fulfillment of promises leaves them stranded. Even so, we assure the people that we will proceed correctly and steadily with this program. Thank you.