The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, many Members contributed on the Port City regulations and orders. When we discuss rules under Act No. 11 of 2021, some recall the criticisms we made in Opposition. Yes, we criticized then. But now, what are we to do—abandon a project created with many irregularities by the then rulers? Our responsibility is to ensure the law prevails henceforth, prevent future irregularities, and take forward what has already consumed public funds, not halt it midway. That is why we bring four rules and orders under the Port City Act for approval—such as enabling the USD 2,000 duty-free allowance to be utilized on up to four separate days within the permitted window, and tailoring labor laws suitable for Port City.

¶ 02 Let me also address current politics. After May Day, we saw large progressive crowds rallying under the theme “People’s Power for the People’s Government.” In contrast, some who once held state power could not even organize proper May Day events. The Opposition Leader’s rally too fell flat. Some have twisted our statements about pending court matters; we did not speak of outcomes, only that around 10 cases are to be heard in May, as stated by the Minister of Justice. Those who looted and are corrupt should fear, which is why their voices tremble. They now seek to drag the NPP into their mud. Sorry: no chance. None of our 159 government MPs nor our President Anura Dissanayake have corruption stains; if anyone alleges, prove it.

¶ 03 As for issues like the private bank mis-transfer or other frauds mentioned—these are system or internal control failures under investigation, not political witch-hunts. Our stance is to fix gaps, not politicize.

¶ 04 In sum, with these four Port City rules, we are steering the economy correctly, reviving growth, and ensuring maximum benefits to the people.

¶ 05 Thank you.

¶ 06 Question put, and agreed to.