The Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I had eight minutes but two have been deducted.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Hon. Prime Minister has presented a Supplementary Estimate on education. We appreciate and thank her for taking responsibility for our children’s education—the nation’s future.

¶ 03 A child’s education succeeds when the whole family, including parents, is on a strong footing. While aiding school needs—uniforms, books, etc.—the Government must also protect family well-being.

¶ 04 This Government should present the 2025 Budget soon—by February or March. I believe it will be brought and passed. That Budget will be challenging, given public expectations. Parents who prioritized their children’s education voted you in. They now await fulfillment of your policy promises through the 2025 Budget.

¶ 05 To the Leader of the House and the Government: around 80 percent of public servants supported your ascent, as did private-sector workers. They now await salary increases compatible with current living conditions in the 2025 Budget. Nationwide, they also expect PAYE tax to be removed. Hence the path ahead is difficult.

¶ 06 Further, about 70 percent of the population faces heavy electricity bill burdens; disconnections are rising for non-payment. The public expects bill reductions in the upcoming Budget, as electricity affects schooling—when power is cut, a child studies by kerosene lamp. People also expect VAT relief on educational items and essential food. These matters are intertwined with education.

¶ 07 This is a strong Government with a mandate exceeding two-thirds. As an Opposition MP, I also note: the former Speaker resigned today; a new Speaker has been appointed. I wish him well. The prior Speaker resigned over a doctorate issue. Personally, I have no big problem with that—but I have an experience. The Hon. Minister of Justice advised that, where we have lessons to offer, we should do so constructively. I will offer one: in 2020, when Gotabaya Rajapaksa became President and parliamentary elections were held, a group called “Viyath Maga” joined. I mean no disrespect to any degree holder; the country needs intellectuals. Many from Viyath Maga entered Parliament. But today, not one of those MPs is here; you can hardly find them. I do not say this to attack anyone.

¶ 08 This morning, Hon. Rauff Hakeem spoke about forced cremations of Muslims during COVID-19. That stance was pushed by those from Viyath Maga, wielding their academic titles. As someone from Beruwala, living among Muslims, I say: when we argued in Cabinet, our voices went unheard. We need PhDs and Professors—but more importantly, we need a social degree: connection with people. I have served 24 years in Parliament and weathered political storms because I stayed with the people. So, without mudslinging anyone’s position, let us correct our mistakes and move forward. As the Opposition, we support measures for education.

¶ 09 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.