The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the Opposition did not present substantial criticisms on this Bill during Second Reading. Instead, they tried to distort the President’s address yesterday, even misrepresenting terms like “hunduwa” to create a false controversy and hide the truth.

¶ 02 “Hunduwa” is a traditional small measuring unit. The President spoke with clear understanding of these terms. Since 1979, we have not built new fuel storage tank complexes or sufficiently upgraded storage, though we kept importing vehicles and machines. The President explained plans to invest Rs. 32 billion to build six new tanks at Kolonnawa, expand tanks 30 and 31, build three at Muthurajawela, refurbish 24 at Trincomalee, lay new pipelines from Kolonnawa to the Port and Kelanitissa, refurbish tanks and improve supply lines, and enhance filling facilities—an overall Rs. 37 billion programme aimed for completion by 2027. He emphasised that prior Governments ignored such needs for decades; that was his point.

¶ 03 On Iran–Israel war: the Government, the President, and Ministers have clearly stated that war—wherever—destroys lives, assets, culture, and humanity; all parties must act to stop it and restore peace.

¶ 04 Turning to the Bill: we present this from the people’s perspective, not banks or MFIs. Over two million people use microfinance services, many are distressed. We bring this to rescue them and to bring MFIs under a sound framework with financial literacy, so both institutions and people are treated fairly. This supports our development vision. I conclude.

¶ 05 Thank you.