The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Government Members claimed that decisions taken over the past 76 years largely destroyed the economy. But we must recall this: 159 Members of the National People’s Power (NPP) entered this Parliament. The principal cause of bankruptcy was the ad hoc decisions under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. A majority of those 159 NPP Members worked to elect him President. Therefore, they too bear a significant responsibility for bankruptcy.

¶ 02 By 2024, some progress has been made. Yet the same activities under Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure are being continued as is. Even if we see “progress,” at what cost? Petrol was tripled; electricity bills up by 300 per cent; cost of living quadrupled. That is the weight behind the “progress.” Consider also what you promised then.

¶ 03 You repeatedly said an NPP Government would reduce the cost of living and taxes. Where in your policy document did you say you would increase Withholding Tax from 5 to 10 per cent on fixed deposit interest? Now it has been increased, though you never told the public you would raise revenue by this route. You also said VAT on students’ learning materials, agricultural inputs and food would be cut to zero. Three months on, no such reduction. We hope at least in the upcoming Budget you will recall these promises because the people gave you this mandate on those commitments.

¶ 04 You said you would abolish the fuel pricing formula and directly reduce fuel prices, even cut Rs. 50 with a single pen stroke. Now that pen is nowhere to be found. We still hope you will remove the pricing formula and at least reduce fuel by Rs. 50. Yet this month, even 5 cents were not cut per the formula, shattering public expectations. You also promised to cut electricity bills by one-third. Do not confine these to campaign slogans. The President is yours, you have a two-thirds in Parliament. Do not say you must first win the local authorities or Provincial Council elections. Do what you promised now: reduce the cost of living and give relief. I conclude.

¶ 05 Thank you.