The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Opposition, I first thank you for your exceptional cooperation throughout the 26 days of debate on the Budget presented by His Excellency the President as Minister of Finance. I also extend special thanks to the Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, and all our Members who served on the Panel of Chair.

¶ 02 I offer our thanks to the Hon. Prime Minister, the Hon. Leader of the House and his Office, the Hon. Chief Government Whip and his Office, Ministers, and all Government Members. I also thank the Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General, the Assistant Secretary-General, and the entire parliamentary staff for their support over more than a month.

¶ 03 We are grateful to the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms, the Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms, and all security agencies including the Parliamentary Police who protect this Parliament. I also thank all State officials, led by the Secretaries of Ministries, who dedicated themselves to this effort, and in particular the Government Printer and the Government Printing Department for managing the Committee Stage work so efficiently. I extend thanks as well to the Parliamentary Canteen, the Library, the Research Division, the Hansard Department, the Table Office, the Parliamentary Medical Center, the Bank, the Post Office, and all other supporting units for their assistance.

¶ 04 We must not forget the prompt service of the Chamber staff who efficiently responded to our requests at the press of the switch on our desks. I thank them too. Whether from Government or Opposition, Members voiced the concerns of their people. Those issues, questions, and arguments were communicated to the country and the public by the media covering Parliament. For that excellent service, I convey the Opposition’s gratitude to conscientious journalists and to print and electronic media institutions.

¶ 05 Speaking for the Opposition, I extend our respectful thanks to the Hon. Leader of the Opposition for his active leadership, to all leaders of Opposition parties, and to all Opposition Members. All extended close cooperation in preparing the speakers’ lists, for which I also express my personal thanks.

¶ 06 I further thank the Secretary to the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, all its officials and staff, who worked tirelessly day and night throughout the debate period. I also thank the scholars, trade union representatives, and resource persons who supported us by providing information, research, data, and materials. As Chief Opposition Whip, I express our gratitude.

¶ 07 Traditionally, after the vote concluding a Budget debate, the Opposition delivers the customary vote of thanks. I thank you for giving me that opportunity.

¶ 08 With the Sinhala and Hindu New Year approaching, we will meet again in the House before then, so reserving the seasonal wishes for that occasion, I once again thank you and conclude my brief remarks.