The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we debate the long-overdue update to stamp duty under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act. The Opposition continues to speak about forming control in local authorities and levels accusations at the Government where they could not form control. Yesterday, in Matugama (Dodangoda PS), NPP established control. We thank all councillors who bravely defeated conspiracies and placed trust in us.

¶ 02 People who voted for different parties had frustration when their representatives could not deliver with councils aligned to them. With an NPP President and a Parliament, they wanted an administrative process across the country to serve them. The Opposition now highlights its vote share and the drop in Malimawa’s vote. Their gains were due to personal factors—village-level figures close to the people. But when they realized that, due to the electoral system, they could not form single-party control, they became anxious. Now, with control consolidated from the Colombo Municipal Council across the country under Malimawa’s leadership, they are satisfied.

¶ 03 We say to the people: our only “deal” is with you. We have no deals with any political party. Our deal is to rebuild, uplift, and develop this country. We are on that path. We are targeting a record stock market and a record year for tourist arrivals. Whether stamp duty or import regulations, taxpayers and businesses are paying taxes willingly with confidence in us.

¶ 04 I also wish to mention a matter from a recent headline. A suspect in a narcotics case was brought to a police station; an officer allegedly tried to release him. A civilian who came to stand surety was instead put into the cell, beaten, suffered ear injury, and was forced to sign a document. He is an innocent driver, father of three. When we questioned, it appears the kasippu trader was released while the innocent man was assaulted. If we do not raise our voice against such unlawful acts and corrupt officers, what is the purpose of our mandate? If such headlines can be made a big story, then the public must question media ethics as well. I express regret if any statement caused misunderstanding, and I reject that media culture. I conclude. Thank you.