The Hon. S.M. Marikkar

¶ 01 Thank you. Those who opposed ETCA said it would make Sri Lanka a vassal of India; I saw the current President at those seminars. He questioned the pipeline’s impact on sovereignty. Now he speaks otherwise. I am not saying do not proceed—just state clearly if you will proceed. Are you signing the IL (UCC) agreement? Is the oil pipeline proceeding?

¶ 02 Also you said you would cancel Adani’s project. After talks with Indian investors yesterday, is Adani included or cancelled? Adani is a main investor. If you remove Adani and bring others, can you proceed? After the visit, provide answers, including which projects, how much investment, impact on security, and trade dominance. Present a detailed report to Parliament.

¶ 03 You said Trincomalee oil tanks were full enough to swim in, and would be developed under PPP. What is being done, in agreement with India? Also, Sampur 500 MW plant—was it discussed? Previously, Ranil’s Government made promises without informing Parliament; you demanded disclosure—please now disclose. I am optimistic: if you proceed, say where, when, how much, and benefits.

¶ 04 Recently, the JVP protested to reduce electricity, water, PAYE, VAT. We now hear the ISB haircut is US$3.2 billion out of US$12.5 billion, possibly falling to US$2 billion by 2027, a haircut under 17%. Did you negotiate VAT and PAYE reductions, and electricity and water tariff cuts with the IMF?

¶ 05 PUCSL says tariffs can be reduced by 11–23%. If CEB won’t accept PUCSL, why have it? If Government allows CEB to act arbitrarily, why have a Government? State your position.

¶ 06 You said you would remove taxes on food, education, health. Did you agree to reduce VAT on food to secure a larger haircut? During Aragalaya, young private professionals supported you, expecting PAYE cuts.

¶ 07 Time is up.

¶ 08 I will finish. Last year Rs. 100 billion was expected; Rs. 140 billion was collected. This year Rs. 200 billion is projected. Will the Rs. 100 billion relief be given to young professionals, or counted as revenue to reduce the haircut? We only ask you to fulfil promises. Thank you.