The Hon. Muhammad Faizal

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamu Alaikum! Ayubowan! Vanakkam!

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, today’s subjects can significantly strengthen the economy. The Opposition, however, is not using this debate properly; instead of focusing on these measures, they wander into unrelated issues—especially about Puttalam. I must address a few points.

¶ 03 In the past, we welcomed people who came from Mannar to Puttalam—embraced them with both hands and supported them. They now form a large community in Puttalam. Politicians at that time used this, claiming Puttalam’s population and health needs had grown and promising to upgrade the hospital. After winning with those votes, and when the governing party lacked seats, they bargained for ministries, security, and foreign trips—living in luxury—rather than securing services for the people. Even Ministers who sat in Cabinet for 10–12 years did not demand these facilities as conditions for support.

¶ 04 They also campaigned during the last presidential election saying that if the National People’s Power wins, caps would be banned, Eid could not be celebrated, etc. We promised to upgrade the Puttalam Base Hospital; within one year, work has begun. Insha Allah, all arrangements are being made to complete required works this year. On behalf of Puttalam’s people, I thank the President and the Government.

¶ 05 Those same ministers, who promised to open the Puttalam–Mannar road to win votes and then supported the previous government, did not set opening the road as a condition; instead, their groups filed cases to prevent opening. It is because of those cases that the road could not be opened. Now they claim we are the obstacle. Insha Allah, our NPP government will both upgrade the Puttalam Base Hospital and open the Puttalam–Mannar road for public travel.

¶ 06 Some speakers accused us of spreading racism. In truth, past governments spread and captured power through racism—mosques and statues were vandalized; Sinhala–Muslim tensions were stoked. Over the past year under the NPP government, there has been no such rhetoric, no vandalism. We pledged to end racism; within one year, we have taken steps to eliminate such discourse.

¶ 07 Our government has provided extensive aid to flood-affected people, including in Puttalam. The Opposition claims we lack conscience; but we have served those who voted for change—ensuring people live with peace of mind. We are firmly committed to eradicating corruption and fraud. Under past governments, corruption and fraud were rampant. Today, our growth has surprised other countries; even institutions here are impressed. Previously, funds from the IMF, World Bank, and ADB were mishandled, breeding international dissatisfaction. Now, we are arranging to use such loans and investments properly, with equal application of the law and macroeconomic stability driving growth.