The Hon. Fasmin Sharif

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, since Independence, successive governments have contributed to today’s economic situation. The economic hardships are well known to our sisters living in this country. Many have gone abroad for work, leaving behind families. We know Sri Lanka once lagged just a dollar behind Japan’s per capita income, yet today corruption has hollowed out the country, and even when people lacked a single meal, leaders feasted at great expense.

¶ 03 We must set aside ethnic and religious divisions and unite to develop the country. I appeal to the Opposition: our President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is making great efforts to develop this nation. If you assist rather than obstruct, within the next five years we can transform this country into a stronger economy.

¶ 04 Representing Kandy District, I note that although we have had Prime Ministers, Ministers and Deputy Ministers from our district, the second largest city after Kandy — Gampola — still lacks basic public facilities like public toilets and parking. I request the Government to prioritize the development of that city.

¶ 05 We all know our present hardships are the result of some past decisions. Therefore, let us unite for the country’s progress. Our Government is providing Rs. 6,000 for school stationery to children in Aswasuma beneficiary families. Likewise, we are assisting the poor...