The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe

¶ 01 I will also speak about those “in pockets.” There is even one on your national list. Loans of Rs. 3.5 billion have been taken — one via an Islamic facility routed through Bank of Ceylon, given interest-free, which should not have been. Do not panic when truths are stated. Rs. 3.5 billion given, yet not a kilo released.

¶ 02 A loan of Rs. 3.5 billion was given to Ratna Rice Mill. Not only him; there are others. Why the agitation? We are identifying those who with bank loans release nothing to the market. Those who are supplying are giving to Sathosa and to the open market. Those who are not — I named one.

¶ 03 If they continue not to supply, the Government will take decisions when issuing the next round of bank financing. Remember that. When rice can be sold at Rs. 220, selling at Rs. 235–240 to extract extra profit while owing public banks is unacceptable.

¶ 04 They tried the same with coconuts to create windfall profits; we are not allowing such mafias. The Government intervened to stabilize the market. Despite attempts to create storms within two weeks of forming the Government, we are protecting the people’s trust. Together with President Anura Dissanayake, the Cabinet is taking decisions to prevent public hardship, dismantle rice market mafias, and address issues in coconuts and other essentials ahead of the festive season.

¶ 05 We are moving forward to create a better living environment for the people. This Vote on Account is for a short bridge; next comes the full Budget, with measures for public, private, and plantation workers, producers and industries, aligned with “Clean Sri Lanka” and national rebuilding. We invite the people — and the Opposition, without prejudice — to join us. Thank you.