The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, while our island is often glorified as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” in truth it has become a black speck in the Indian Ocean. As a new MP representing Gampaha District, I thank you for this opportunity. I also thank the people of Minuwangoda who gave me the highest preferential percentage, the people of Gampaha who voted for the National People’s Power, and the many in the fisheries sector connected to my profession as a veterinary surgeon.

¶ 02 For 60 years we aspired to build a fair and dignified society. Many people worked hard; many of my university friends dedicated their lives. Through professional bodies like the National Intellectuals Organization, many professionals—teachers, engineers, doctors, agriculture, finance, health officers—organized nationwide and contributed to this change. The youth and women also worked for this system change.

¶ 03 In the past two days, as a new MP, I heard Opposition Members say we are elated. Indeed, we are elated—because after 76 years of Opposition politics and other political streams that contributed to this country’s ruin, the people became part of a system change. We are elated as the country is returning to a better path by ending corruption and creating a new nation. Yet we are not arrogant. We expect everyone to unite for this system change.

¶ 04 Some say though we presented a policy framework, we have not yet implemented new things. We say clearly: the foundation of our policy is a political-cultural transformation. We created that change after the Presidential victory and again at the General Election. Previously, when other parties won, they took revenge; houses were burned. This time, across Sri Lanka, people live without such issues—that is a political change.

¶ 05 We also received votes in the North and the hill country. In Minuwangoda, our Deputy Minister, Hon. Muneer, received over 25,000 preference votes without ethnic bias. This shows people rejected racism; we must govern free of it.

¶ 06 We are ready to implement our “Prosperous Country, Beautiful Life” policy. A key element is easing the cost of living. People struggle to afford food, school books and supplies for children, and medicines. We acknowledge that in some areas prices have decreased somewhat; in others, not yet. In the upcoming Budget, you will see concrete measures toward the promised change. Historically, people sought to make Sri Lanka a place where they could live well, but the policies followed for 76 years by those now in Opposition led to today’s crisis, which is why people gave us a huge mandate.

¶ 07 Some say do not be overjoyed, because Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to go in two and a half years. But he did not have a team like this; he was surrounded by his family, not a wide network. Our operation is supported by a large organized network of professionals, youth and women across the country. Therefore, the Opposition need not worry. We will work according to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s programme, and we invite the Opposition to forget the past and join us to take the country forward.

¶ 08 Thank you for the time.