Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate the Vote of the Ministry of Power and Energy. Since morning we discussed the sector, but most Opposition points were baseless. Power is essential. Our Government—the NPP Government—has presented a production-based economic plan and is implementing it. Energy is critical to expand production. We must generate energy without selling national assets, while protecting the environment and people.

¶ 02 Environment is central. We have a sensitive ecosystem and communities. Therefore, in this Budget, we focus on renewables—wind and solar—expecting about 400 MW from solar and about 1,500 MW from wind. We are introducing alternative energy and new methods. The President has signed an agreement, as you know.

¶ 03 Order, please. At this stage, Hon. Kitnan Selvaraj leaves the Chair and Hon. Aravinda Senarath takes the Chair.

¶ 04 Especially, an agreement has been signed to start a new oil refinery in Hambantota. Sri Lanka produces less than 40 per cent of its oil needs through refining. With Hambantota, we can turn Sri Lanka into a fuel trading hub—as Singapore is now. Instead of sending Middle Eastern oil to Singapore, we can base it in Hambantota and attract investment. We also said we will stop waste and commissions. Though the Opposition claims we have not started work, these initiatives have begun, including plans for an LNG trading hub in Hambantota.

¶ 05 We also heard some beautiful lies earlier. One Member claimed he never lies. But that Member took campaign funds from Arjun Aloysius’s liquor company during the Central Bank bond scam, later saying he did not know. Yet the cheque was changed by someone in his own MSD staff. Do not pose as a saint here.

¶ 06 This morning, another Member lectured us, but we remember his conduct after the war—taking Rs. 500 million from Ranil Wickremesinghe and then joining SJB later, now preaching to the NPP. We in the NPP have the vision and strength to build the country.

¶ 07 Yesterday, the Opposition claimed the PUCSL reduced the electricity bill. What is PUCSL? Commissioners appointed by the President. Their job is to study the situation and make recommendations; the Government decides to implement. They said reduce by 20 per cent; our Government implemented it. Our manifesto pledged a 20 per cent reduction within three years; we achieved a 20 per cent reduction within three months. So do not mislead the public. The people know the media theatrics; they tried to whip up rice, coconut, and now fuel scares. Yesterday a channel claimed all sheds would close after 8 p.m.; in our areas no such closures occurred. People are not fooled; there is enough fuel and proper distribution.

¶ 08 We, as Government, say such situations will not be allowed. The State Minister revealed who owns these sheds; when their margins fell, only the owners cried out. Many shed owners are politicians. When their profits fall, they try to derail our program. The allotted time is over.

¶ 09 Please give me one more minute, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 10 They say reduce retail prices to the public while increasing dealer margins. Like they said buy paddy at Rs. 130 and sell rice at Rs. 150. The people are intelligent and will not be deceived. This Government understands the realities and will not act to burden the people. Thank you.