The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. We are debating orders under the Port City Act. These changes are important to attract foreign investment and dollars. Foreign visitors within four days of arrival can purchase duty-free goods within Port City up to US$2,000 per year—this incentivises spending.

¶ 02 There are no factories in Port City; it is a specialised commercial precinct with retail. Hence bespoke legal provisions apply, including on terminations, based on contracts between employer and employee, aligned with international practice for such special economic zones. Introducing these frameworks and correcting past mistakes is stabilising the economy.

¶ 03 To the Hon. Member who said May Day speeches ignored workers: under your Governments workers suffered most. Today, workers seek fair pay. This Government has planned pay rises across public, private and plantation sectors—allocating Rs. 1.1 trillion over 2025–2027. Worker security is being strengthened. On education, in 2024 Ranil allocated Rs. 237 billion; our Government allocates Rs. 700 billion. On health, in 2024 Ranil allocated Rs. 350 billion; in 2026 we allocate Rs. 550 billion. Are we a Government that ignores workers’ rights?

¶ 04 Despite three shocks—the US tax changes, the “Ditcha” cyclone, and the current global war—growth remains around 5 per cent, while providing relief.

¶ 05 With sound planning and management, GDP rose from Rs. 30.1 trillion to Rs. 32.8 trillion; per capita from US$4,546 to US$5,003—showing stability. There is no ethnic agenda; we have a five-year national plan executed by a “Praja Shakthi” governance mechanism, with dedicated tracks for public safety and narcotics control. This Government is not tainted by corruption; we are heirs of those who sacrificed for the people. We govern to protect the cultures and religions of all—Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities—as we have done over the past eighteen months and will continue to do.

¶ 06 Finally, I congratulate Joseph Vijay on his Tamil Nadu Assembly victory, and thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.