Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we speak a lot about corruption. However, this visa issue has become a matter of national conversation, yet nothing concrete seems to be happening. While we discuss it today, we also urge the Government to act. If not, it is natural that suspicions will arise regarding the many allegations being made. That is a reality.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I want to highlight two points. First, your “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” manifesto pledged to protect small and medium rice millers, not to oust them and hand opportunities to a selected few. But what is happening now? I state this responsibly: a tender has been structured such that not a single small or medium rice mill can gain entry, while all government paddy stocks are to be released to selected parties. Further, the allowable 65% broken rice has been reduced to 63% to enable maximum profits. I say this as the architect of the Shakthi initiative. Back then we brought struggling small and medium millers into our system, revived their businesses, and kept them alive. Therefore we challenge the Government: you came to power promising to protect small and medium entrepreneurs—fulfill that promise. Do not kick them out to protect two or three big millers. I remind you of this and conclude. Thank you.