The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. I am pleased to join this debate on the regulations and orders under the Port City Act. The Hon. State Minister Nishantha Jayaweera clearly explained the needs of investments on Port City land, the nature of legal disputes and the tasks at hand, providing sufficient information.

¶ 02 However, some in the Opposition attempt to paint the Government as corrupt, merging various issues together, particularly the US$2.5 million Treasury payment incident. They seek to socialise their opinion without allowing proper, lawful investigation. We saw similar behaviour on the coal discussion: when matters are subjected to inquiry, they do not come and present facts. If they have facts, bring them; do not bring falsehoods.

¶ 03 The VAT issue is another example. For financial services, VAT at 18 per cent and SSCL at 2.5 per cent have been combined into a single 20.5 per cent levy, simplifying the system. There is no additional burden to society from this merger. Even a Grade Three child would understand that combining 18 and 2.5 makes 20.5, not an increase beyond the sum. Yet the Opposition Leader goes on organised media saying taxes were increased.

¶ 04 They also claim we are engaged in theft to cover up their own past misuse of public funds, now under investigation. We are not panicking or acting unlawfully; we follow due process.

¶ 05 They said there was a massive coal scam, but cannot prove it. We have created every opportunity for proof—so prove it. Once investigations conclude and results come to the public, the country will see our commitment and diligence. Until then, the Opposition keeps dancing in the shallows to cover up their own past corruption. We must disregard such conduct.

¶ 06 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.