The Hon. Athula Welandagoda

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today Hon. Harsha Sooriyaaratchi, Deputy Minister, has presented for approval Orders under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act and Regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act. While the Government Side presented reasons, those calling themselves the Opposition patched together unrelated pieces from here and there.

¶ 02 Along with the Provincial Council election results, a qualitative shift is joining our country’s politics. Some are issuing joint statements in a different manner about this change. We do not call it “sunbun.” We have dignity. But we now see that “sunbun” state clearly — because we have established power in 151 local authorities. Now it is over 180. As of today, power in local authorities is flowing to the National People’s Power. They cannot digest even this. We obtained 117. True. We won 266 local authorities. But today the debate is, when we bring important Orders to this Parliament, time and public money are spent, yet what the other side tries to raise here is deeply disappointing.

¶ 03 Historically, there were individuals, even images of individuals, that influenced politics — not just parties. But those individual images are now broken into small cliques and groups. Amidst that, the National People’s Power is becoming a strong people’s political movement and taking charge of the nation’s future. To be frank, we have moved a patient from the ICU to the general ward. The patient has not gone home yet and is not fully cured, but within seven months we have taken him off that dangerous step.

¶ 04 Some in the Opposition say, “What has been done? Nothing!” If we list achievements, it will take time. Economically, socially, culturally — in every sector we see clear progress and numerous victories. The economy we took over was shattered; the social and cultural fabric was in pain. We are healing every fracture. We can cite many social achievements numerically, but all we see from the Opposition is wailing. The country does not expect this.

¶ 05 Hon. Madugoda spoke about youth. He asked if we are going to mobilize village youth with a red star. What do the youth expect? What was your plan for youth then? You said “A Tomorrow for Youth.” Where is that tomorrow? In the past, respect for every sphere — arts, sports, and all areas of society relevant to children and youth — was destroyed. You even dragged into this House people from spheres that should not be politicized. From monks onwards, you ruined every sector. Now is the time to rebuild. We have a development plan with solutions for youth development and participation, and for lifting the country from where it fell. That is why people gave us victory in local authorities, not merely because of numbers.

¶ 06 Hon. Presiding Member, we came into politics from local authorities. I represented the Ambalantota Pradeshiya Sabha. There, there was no “Opposition” as such. The Chairman is chosen from among the members with the consent of the majority — there is no “COD” method. Where is the majority’s will today? From election to election the people’s will has come to the NPP. In some places we have won nearly 50 percent of the vote. Even those who ran against us understand where the NPP is headed and where we will take the country. Those who sought votes from the people on the other side now want to join development. The village wants to rebuild the country. This is the time to bring power together for that. Those entrusted with that power have dignity in the village. This is not a deal — we respect them.

¶ 07 Understanding the NPP’s program to build the village, other segments of villages, beyond party lines, are now strengthening the NPP’s journey. But cliques seeking to cling to power in councils, building personal images, and parties calling themselves the Opposition have no continued public legitimacy. Their parties reek from the top and cannot be renewed, and that stench seeps downward. In this challenge, the NPP acts while preserving its political integrity. Not through deals or mere joint statements, but by inviting all partisans to raise both hands for nation-building. The people’s consent and power gathering today in local authority victories is visible. Earlier, Tissamaharama Pradeshiya Sabha was our only win; later we took on more responsibility. We know from history where Rajapaksa politics led. We will not follow that politics. We will take the country again on the path of development and invite all people to join.

¶ 08 Using Parliament and all institutions, we will give strength and courage to every project that can take the country forward step by step. The NPP’s hope is precisely that: not just numbers, but social, cultural and political rebuilding. This has now become public opinion and public power. That public power cannot be undermined by individual wails. From Parliament and all institutions, we see that popular victory. Those who trust the NPP have united for that victory. We tell the Opposition: better demonstrate your ideas, unity, and strength by going for reforms and building yourselves. You cannot do it with slander and mud. Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member, for the time.