The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I move:

¶ 02 “That during today’s Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, being Wednesday, 03.12.2025, the sums under the Heads of Expenditure 102, 237 to 252, 280, 296, 323, 324, 329, 333 and 338; 135, 293 and 337; and 116, 295 and 297 to 302, of the Ministries to be debated today, be reduced by Rs. 10 each, in respect of all Recurrent and Capital expenditure under each programme, as per tradition.”

¶ 03 Hon. Chairman, three of our Members were to move cut motions on three Ministries separately, but under this unfortunate situation, we have had to present all three cut motions together to allow more time today and tomorrow for Members from the affected areas to speak on behalf of their people regarding the present disaster.

¶ 04 I intended to speak on plantation matters today: the issues faced by Sri Lanka’s tea industry with over 159 years of history; the problems faced by smallholders who produce the bulk of our tea; and the many issues in the coconut and rubber sectors. However, I set those aside to address the current disaster.

¶ 05 Though my district is affected, other districts have suffered even greater damage. Our Opposition Members are presently engaged in relief work across various areas. Their only forum to raise matters is this Chamber. I therefore request that my full time be yielded to Members representing the affected areas.

¶ 06 Before concluding, I must express our condolences and concern. Many lives have been lost; many more are missing; hundreds of thousands are displaced. Many have lost their loved ones, their homes, lands, livelihoods and crops; many are left with only the clothes they wear. We salute our Armed Forces, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Special Task Force who have risked their lives to save lives and protect property. From Grama Niladhari to District Secretaries, to Ministry Secretaries, all officials have worked with great dedication.

¶ 07 We must also acknowledge the work of the CEB, the Water Supply and Drainage Board, institutions related to Irrigation and Highways, disaster management agencies and healthcare workers including doctors and nurses. Many neighbours and friendly nations have offered assistance; we thank their leaders, peoples and our Ambassadors.

¶ 08 The Sri Lankan people have a unique trait: when someone faces hardship, they come forward to help. People across the country have lined up to assist as they can, and many have heroically saved lives. While there are many issues relevant to today’s Heads, I prioritize time for Members from the more severely affected districts to share their experiences and proposals so that, together, we can have a productive discussion for solutions. I therefore yield the rest of my time to speakers from the affected areas. Thank you very much.