The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. Today we debate the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill. It will deliver several benefits. Previously, matters were governed by the Microfinance Act, No. 6 of 2016. This new Bill will establish an Authority under which both lenders and borrowers can be better served. Many individuals and groups have been lending without comprehensive legal oversight; this Bill will address long‑standing problems in lending and recovery.

¶ 02 The Authority will have nine Members: two appointed by the Governor of the Central Bank, four by the Minister, and three ex officio.

¶ 03 On the wider context raised earlier: some now speak with sensitivity about Muslims and Ramadan, yet under their government Darga Town was attacked, mosques were burned, and Muslim lives and property were destroyed. They undermined social harmony then, but now posture about international injustices. We have not forgotten Easter 2019 and the failures of those in power then. Do not politicize Muslim suffering when your own record includes calling for broad investigations that unfairly targeted the entire Muslim community.

¶ 04 Those who cremated Muslim COVID victims against WHO guidance; those whose politics fueled anti‑Muslim violence; those who still block the release of seized Qur’an copies—these are now shedding crocodile tears. We will not accept that duplicity.

¶ 05 People voted for this Government to manage the country well: to stabilize the economy and ensure security. We even hosted India‑Pakistan cricket series in the past through our diplomacy. If the present war halts, we can raise our voice internationally; until then, our duty is to keep Sri Lanka stable and peaceful. We condemn injustices anywhere, but we will not turn Parliament into a stage for opportunistic ethnic incitement. Real leadership requires consistency. We must act to build a better country and environment for all communities—Muslims, Tamils and Sinhalese—without exploiting their pain.

¶ 06 Under this Government, people live with greater calm. Our goals are public wellbeing, stability and environmental protection—taking Sri Lanka on a steady path of development. Thank you.