The Hon. Namal Karunaratne

¶ 01 The answer is this, Hon. Member. You said, “Lal Kantha says one thing; you say another.” That is not so. We both say the same. That is my first answer.

¶ 02 You are right. When we took responsibility, during the Maha season we progressed to some extent. From this Yala season onward, we will properly engage in this task and necessarily intervene to change the prevailing situation. We have commenced the refurbishment of all stores that had been left open to animals including bats and to the jungle. Even now the rehabilitation of stores is underway and nearing completion.

¶ 03 Do not interrupt me; you asked me a question and I must answer. We have begun restoring those stores, and about 75% of that work is complete. Likewise, we reopened 133 closed BAG stores last season, and in this Yala season we will open even more stores. Also, we are putting in place a much more methodical process for Government procurements of paddy this Yala season. As you suggested, we will certainly create mechanisms that allow entrepreneurs to participate. Moreover, during your Government’s time there were thefts at the Paddy Marketing Board and destruction of assets. Investigations are underway; there are large sums to be recovered, and recoveries are ongoing. Cases have been filed against many; some individuals may even face imprisonment through legal action. Those details are now public. In any case, we will clean up the Paddy Marketing Board and restore it. We accept your submission.