The Hon. Stepni Fernando

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the Opposition speaks of tax hikes regarding the Order under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and the regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act—specifically raising the Rs. 10 per Rs. 1,000 stamp duty to Rs. 20. We know how the Opposition used tax money when in power—how it was wasted from local bodies up to Parliament. After the NPP Government came in, the State manages tax money prudently. Those now complaining never thought about safeguarding tax revenue or distributing benefits fairly; they only strengthened their cronies, as in the sugar tax scam.

¶ 02 We know how to distribute tax benefits to the people. We guarantee we will do, under the NPP Government, all that the Opposition failed to do.

¶ 03 While debating two laws, the Opposition keeps talking about forming control in local authorities. We know how councillors were “bought” in the past—taken in lorries. We do not talk to members like that. Newly elected members from other parties in our villages came and told us the state of their groups: they sought nominations from those parties because they had to, but they know how the NPP works, so they discussed with us. They recognize our good program. Even while in the Opposition, they knew where they stood.

¶ 04 The entire people are rallying around the NPP Government. This Government cannot be bent. To defeat us, the Opposition must bring a program superior to ours. Their criticisms cannot defeat or bend this Government. This is a people’s Government, bonded with the people, listening to and solving their problems. The stamp duty increase is not to ruin lives but to uplift them—by channeling tax benefits properly to the people.

¶ 05 We know under previous regimes local authorities withdrew money for Vesak festivals and pocketed it without even putting up a single light. We know those chairmen. The NPP Government protects and properly manages people’s tax money. The Opposition says we collect more tax; in fact, we maintain tax properly. These are reforms after 20 years—things they never even considered.

¶ 06 They also speak about how we treat officials. We are not a Government that ties public servants to trees or forces them. We work cordially and support those who do the right thing. No one can stop our journey. With confidence in that path, I conclude.