The Hon. Fasmin Sharif

¶ 01 Our President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has initiated long-term economic measures for national progress. We request the Opposition to support, because you too have held office many times and share responsibility for the present state. Let us forget ethnic, religious and party divisions and rebuild together.

¶ 02 This country has all the resources. Our land can yield crops in 3–4 months. Though climate can sometimes be adverse, it can also benefit us. Yet after 76 years of many rulers, the country is failing; roads are in disrepair; families struggle even to eat one meal. Our President will change this, and we will all work together to achieve it.

¶ 03 I also state: all parties that ruled brought us here; we must change that. We need the Opposition’s help. If you assist our capable Ministers, Prime Minister and Members, we have a great opportunity to make Sri Lanka a developed country by 2028–2029. Let us all unite and build the nation.

¶ 04 As an MP for Kandy District, I note Gampola — the second largest city in the district — still lacks public toilets, parking and basic facilities. Our people are engaged in agriculture and industry and face many issues including fertilizer. We must solve these with help from both Government and Opposition MPs.

¶ 05 Our Government has decided to grant Rs. 6,000 per child for all children in Aswasuma beneficiary families — a major service to education, enabling many children who could not afford books to attend school. The President has earned great respect from these people for this, and that will continue.

¶ 06 We are also giving an increased Rs. 3,000 allowance, and raising the fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000. We aim to deliver other promised and unpromised measures for the people as well.

¶ 07 You know Presidents once ate cashews worth crores while people had no meals. There was theft, fraud and corruption. Now these are being changed. Without unnecessary expenditure, let us unite and lead the country to victory. Under our President’s decision, by 2028–2029 we can make Sri Lanka a “prosperous country — better lives.” Let us all unite and move forward.

¶ 08 Finally, Akkaraipattu often faces severe flooding. We will make a strong effort through our Government to resolve this. Thank you for the opportunity.