The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, this morning, under Standing Orders, more than twenty Opposition MPs requested time to debate serious irregularities in the Treasury. Usually, getting time from the Speaker is like pulling a tooth, but we received an hour and a half.

¶ 02 We also have to speak on the Port City regulations. I am happy to do so since, as the Minister in charge under President Mahinda Rajapaksa, I initiated the project and the Chinese President laid the foundation stone. The then Opposition levelled many accusations—such as breaking Sigiriya rock—none of which came true. Today, Port City is to be the economic nerve centre of our future.

¶ 03 Now, US$2.5 million has gone missing from the Treasury. How is this country being run? Politicians are elected for five years, but officials serve forty years and understand governance. Yet today, the Treasury Secretary is not a career official but a former MP placed in the chair; and then US$2.5 million disappears. Everyone is now searching for the pickpocket. The root cause is sidelining experienced officers and seating political figures in these posts. In fairness, similar mistakes may have occurred in our time too; they must be corrected.

¶ 04 It is also alleged on social media that the Treasury Secretary had dual citizenship concealed from the Election Commission as at 2010. If he renounced it before contesting, fine—submit proof. If not, under our laws could he hold such office?

¶ 05 On May Day—the International Workers’ Day—what did you speak about for workers? The JVP, historically a workers’ party, now on May Day spoke only of “anger and envy,” not worker welfare. Fuel prices usually rise on the first of the month; this time you delayed the hike conveniently to avoid the May Day stage being embarrassed. These are not things you can hide.

¶ 06 Finally, as Opposition, we will hold you to account on irregularities such as this US$2.5 million and demand full disclosure to Parliament. Thank you.