Hon. Anton Jayakody

¶ 01 We have not conducted proper studies on how to harness our natural resources for the country’s economy. As a government, we have paid considerable attention to such research. Compared to last year, we have more than doubled the budgetary allocation for research this year, enabling us to carry out the necessary studies.

¶ 02 We have identified the Ministry of Science and Technology as one of our 22 key ministries. Similarly, we established the Ministry of Digital Economy, recognizing the importance of both. That is why the National People's Power (NPP) Government has allocated substantial funds to them. To strengthen the Ministry of Science and Technology, we have engaged some of the world’s best Sri Lankan scientists to serve on an advisory council. Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya is one such expert. Locally, we have Prof. Oliver Ileperuma and many other professors, doctors, and researchers contributing to a robust advisory body. The Ministry of Digital Economy is similarly supported by globally reputed specialists such as Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya. We must move forward with research hand-in-hand with experts and researchers.

¶ 03 We discovered the Eppawala phosphate deposit in 1971 and began crushing and using it as fertilizer in 1973. Regrettably, from then until today, the same practice continues without advancement. Likewise, Pulmoddai’s mineral sands were discovered in 1957, and the first export to Japan occurred in 1962. Even today, we export in the same manner. The reason is the lack of appropriate, rigorous research on how best to utilize these resources for our economy. While studies have been done, there has been insufficient investigation into how to develop them optimally for economic benefit.

¶ 04 A great responsibility rests on the Ministry of Science and Technology. We must conduct extensive research into how to leverage our enormous biodiversity-based resource wealth for the economy. In this Budget, we have allocated double last year’s funds to improve research quality. The future belongs to research. Globally, rare-earth elements are drawing immense attention. Our Ministry is prepared to conduct a countrywide survey of rare-earths this year and research how to integrate them into our economy.

¶ 05 The value of rare-earth elements lies in their transformative impact on electric vehicles and related technologies. In the coming decade, rare-earths will be decisive raw materials worldwide. How do we link our natural resources and the research around them to our economy?

¶ 06 We must also consider how to utilize our rich environmental data and resources to build a prosperous nation; this is an area we intend to highlight in this Budget.

¶ 07 I must also address statements made a couple of days ago by Hon. D. V. Chanaka, who repeatedly suggested that water supplied by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) could cause health issues due to elevated chromium in lime used at treatment plants such as Hunuwala. Such remarks could erode public confidence in treated water.

¶ 08 He referred to chromium content in lime at 12 mg/kg and compared it to WHO standards for drinking water, which is 0.05 mg per litre. These are incomparable measures if presented without context. I checked the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant—the largest in the country. Over the last two days, it used about 1,200 kg of lime per day; let us assume 1,500 kg to be conservative. Ambatale supplies around 500,000 cubic metres of water per day. Even if one used lime with 12 mg/kg chromium (which we do not), and even if we assume 100% dissolution (which never happens), the resultant chromium concentration in drinking water would be about 0.00038%, far below the WHO standard. Therefore, unnecessarily alarming the public is irresponsible.

¶ 09 People should be given accurate information. In past elections, fabricated narratives—such as claims that the NPP threatens Buddhism—were spread, and the truth emerged only later. The Opposition must not undermine public confidence in essential services like drinking water for political gain. Parliament exists to deliberate policy; I regret seeing the Opposition stoop so low.

¶ 10 Our country has vast natural resources. We must lay the foundation to transform these resources into economic strength and prosperity. Step by step, by prioritizing research that uplifts the economy, we can, within a few years, transform Sri Lanka into the economically advanced nation we aspire to be. Globally, the level of research determines future economic standing. The Ministry of Science and Technology bears a great responsibility, and the government strongly supports it. Let us line up and work together. Thank you.