Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya

¶ 01 We are working with commitment. But we know well that the current discourse about our qualifications has not arisen from an honest place.

¶ 02 Our efforts are not based on whether we are lying to the people or not. It is very clear that what exists here is a very narrow, ugly political objective.

¶ 03 Our Government has not even been in office for a full month. From the very moment we assumed office, the Opposition has tried to undermine us, belittle us, and disseminate a distorted image about us. They tried to do this during the election period as well. But the people did not accept it. Because they did not accept it, we were able to form this Government with 159 MPs. Failing to learn that lesson, and even after the Government was formed, failing to learn the lesson the people are trying to teach, and instead engaging in this immature politics, is truly regrettable.

¶ 04 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I must add something further. Our Government’s members have gained knowledge in diverse ways and continue to do so. Here are people with degrees, with postgraduate degrees, and without degrees. There are also those without any certificates. But for us, that does not make a difference, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Because the knowledge gained through all those experiences is valuable to us; we appreciate it. We are a diverse group. The knowledge obtained through different paths and avenues, we believe, is a strength to our Government. This is not a single traditional journey. There are multiple pathways to gain knowledge and education. One can proceed linearly—school, A/Levels, university for a degree, then a postgraduate degree. Or one can return later, study while working, or step away from formal education and gain rich experience. One can accumulate knowledge through practical engagement and share it.

¶ 05 Hon. Deputy Speaker, knowledge cannot be narrowly confined to a certificate obtained from a school or university. Among our team are those who had opportunities but, due to political commitment, chose different paths to seek knowledge; those who sacrificed formal educational pathways in pursuit of political purpose. We are proud of all of them. The National People’s Power Government is formed by the collective of all these individuals. We have no issue with that. That diversity is here; that diversity is our strength. With that purpose, we speak about education for this country. We believe the understanding we have should be accessible to everyone in this country. We believe all pathways to obtain education and knowledge should be open.

¶ 06 No child, no person, no young woman or man in this country should ever think, “I missed this; I lost that chance; so I have no future.” We will not allow that. Therefore, we are discussing lifelong learning, distance education, adult education, and systems that recognize acquiring knowledge through one’s capabilities outside of linear paths. That is the civilized way; that is the modern world’s way, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

¶ 07 If the Opposition wishes to dig into qualifications, fine. If they think that is their task, so be it. But we take all decisions from a clear political stance.

¶ 08 Hon. Deputy Speaker, a Parliament cannot function with only the Government benches. The Government alone cannot intervene for the country and the people. An Opposition is necessary, and in fact has a greater responsibility in Parliament. Therefore, the Opposition’s role is extremely important. Today, they sit on the Opposition benches. That is fine.

¶ 09 We believe the Opposition has a responsibility. We all know what the people now expect from Parliament and from their representatives. On the first day we invited everyone to join us on a new political journey. Question us, critique us—but let us be clear about the purpose of that. From the very outset, we invited you to have meaningful discussions that are beneficial to the country. Unfortunately, we question whether some in the Opposition have understood that invitation. Is this intervention done with the country and people in mind, or is it for narrow, malicious political ends? That is our concern, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

¶ 10 In conclusion, let us understand this well. Do not underestimate our team’s immense desire to serve the people, our commitment, and our sense of responsibility to the public mandate we received. We know this well. We stand united. We are not perfect as individuals. We may have shortcomings and make mistakes. But within our movement there is a method to correct individual shortcomings and take necessary actions. More than as individuals, we work as a collective. We have strong trust in each other and can vouch for one another. With that trust, assurance, and commitment, we are here. Do not underestimate that collective strength. It is with that strength that we will face any challenge you pose. I conclude with that reminder.

¶ 11 Thank you very much for the time given.

¶ 12 Question proposed.