The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera

¶ 01 Likewise, by now farmers cannot even obtain a sack of fertilizer. Today a sack costs Rs. 10,000–11,000. We have repeatedly told you this. On many occasions you promised to provide fertilizer at a concessionary price to small tea growers. But to date, that has not been done. As we know, nearly two million people directly or indirectly contribute to this cultivation. There is also a significant opportunity to earn foreign exchange. Therefore, I request that you look into this matter.

¶ 02 You have also spoken many times about the so-called 60… (investment promotion). As far as we know, a clear investor who can contribute to the development and economy of our country has not really come. In the past you said only investors connected to the casino business or other such dealings came during that government’s time. Now I must say the same thing, Hon. Presiding Member. As far as we know, even though there were supposedly no investors, your government has just granted approval for a massive casino investment. We have learned that approval has been given even though the investors have not yet paid the required license fee. As far as we know, this is intended to commence at the “City of Dreams Sri Lanka” hotel complex. We also understand the license fee has still not been paid. Further, there is a major question as to whether they are being brought under a 40% tax agreement. A government that criticized casinos strongly—what is it doing now? They have granted tax concessions to the casino business and allowed it to commence. This too has become a serious issue.