The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the time to speak on the second reading debates of three Bills today.

¶ 02 When we took office, the country faced instability socially, politically, and economically. To stabilize the nation, we needed order in these three spheres and institutional streamlining—ministries, laws, regulations, and policies. In line with our policy mandate and the goals entrusted to us by the people, we began establishing the required frameworks—policies, procedures, and legislation. Today’s three Bills—the Institution of Real Estate Professionals of Sri Lanka Bill; the Licensing of Container Depot Operators Bill; and the (Amendment) Bill for licensing ship agents, non-vessel operating common carriers, and container operators—are part of that effort.

¶ 03 Our country has professionals and scholars who must be mobilized for development. Without them, there can be no progress. They need systems that allow them to practice freely, demonstrate professionalism, and receive institutional support. Many professions already have statutory bodies. Real estate professionals did not. After lengthy discussions, proposals, and consultations—including with related professions concerned about overlap—we have incorporated necessary amendments to ensure fairness and minimal conflict. This Institution will provide the legal framework for real estate professionals to function without impeding others. We expect significant contributions to national development through this body.

¶ 04 Regarding macroeconomic stabilization: over the past one and a half years, we have managed the economy methodically, transparently, and with clear targets. Indicators show stabilization by 2025’s end—higher dollar inflows and domestic revenue; strengthened reserves. Recently, foreign reserves were reported at USD 6.8 billion even after permitting vehicle imports, which cost roughly USD 2 billion. Without that outflow, reserves would exceed USD 8 billion—demonstrating stabilization achieved through discipline and targets.

¶ 05 Critics avoid policy debates and instead build narratives from isolated incidents—such as coal tenders. In contrast to past non-tender procurements, we conducted international competitive tenders transparently, consistent with global standards and agreements, enabling us to enforce penalties for supplier non-compliance. Yet opponents seize fragments to allege theft or abuse, spinning weekly controversies without substantive policy critique.

¶ 06 When the recent major cyclone—the most severe natural disaster in our recent history—struck, it heavily impacted the economy and lives. Yet within about two weeks, we restored normalcy and prevented economic collapse, because we manage with a clear program. There was little criticism of the government’s disaster response; instead, minor issues were amplified.

¶ 07 On housing: about 6,000 houses were fully damaged and nearly 110,000 partially damaged. We announced and commenced significant assistance quickly—Rs. 500,000 for fully damaged houses and up to Rs. 250,000 for partially damaged. No previous government granted such levels. Our aim is to help people rebuild to a better standard. Some delays of five to six days occurred due to necessary verification—ensuring funds are used for building, with proper standards—amid normal administrative workloads and some beneficiaries changing plans (e.g., relocating, purchasing built houses). The Opposition inflated these minor delays into major controversies.

¶ 08 I personally inspected sites where the President laid foundation stones and delivered cheques; people have begun building, elevating foundations to avoid future floods, constructing two-story homes, and following proper engineering plans with internal bathrooms—clear progress. As of the 30th, compensation payments have commenced for 136 fully damaged houses and assistance finalized for 1,580 partially damaged houses—around 2,000 families assisted so far. Again, the Opposition offers incident-based, not policy-based, criticism.

¶ 09 We tell the people: we are delivering the mandate you entrusted to us. These Bills are part of that program. Please continue to place your trust in us as we move forward. Thank you.