Hon. Muhammad Faizal

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamu Alaikum! Ayubowan! Vanakkam!

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I think the Opposition side seems more “cool”—as if “ice” is high there. That is how it appears.

¶ 03 But here the Government is run by those who won everywhere. Those who ruled long and lost both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections came through the National List and now shout from the Opposition benches against those of us who are building the country peacefully. Is that acceptable? I will begin my speech.

¶ 04 For a country’s economic growth, exports and imports are key. In our exports—garments, apparel, tea, coconut—these all contribute, but past governments ruined them.

¶ 05 For example, though Kurunegala in the North Western Province produces many coconuts, it is Puttalam coconuts that are mostly used for export. Around Puttalam, there are many coconut estates. In the previous government’s time, estates were leased cheaply to those who pasted posters for MPs or provided vehicles, resulting in their ruin and lower production. The lessees do not fertilize or improve production. Hence coconut prices are high. Our Government has arranged to increase coconut cultivation across more than 500,000 acres, including fertilization.

¶ 06 Our Government has presented a balanced Budget unlike before, reducing the deficit and avoiding “falling off” as in previous times. Next year we will present a strong, non-deficit Budget.

¶ 07 National revenues have improved: in the first six months of 2025, Rs. 2,321 billion compared to Rs. 1,864 billion in the first six months of 2024. In the first seven months of 2025, total export earnings were USD 9,992.53 million, a 7.79% increase over the same period in 2024.

¶ 08 From January to 06 August this year, Sri Lanka Customs collected Rs. 1,271 million; July added Rs. 231 million; this is the highest recorded Customs revenue so far. In the last six months, ports earned Rs. 24,418 million profit compared to Rs. 14,691 million in 2024—a 66% increase.

¶ 09 According to the Central Bank, reserves are USD 6.2 billion; we target USD 15 billion by 2028 by boosting domestic production and attracting foreign investment. Earlier, many investors left; the Opposition claimed no aid or investment would come. Today, investors are competing to come. In the first seven months, USD 607 million in FDI has been received—higher than previous years.

¶ 10 On tourism, by 17 September this year, 1,656,916 tourists arrived. In the first eight months alone, tourism earned USD 2,290 million, a 5.7% increase over 2024. With rising arrivals, measures are underway to further improve tourism. Kalpitiya in Puttalam District has many islands and high tourism potential. The State Minister for Tourism promised to address shortcomings, ensure safety, and improve transport. Like the Maldives, Kalpitiya’s islands can attract more tourists. We aim to bring 3–4 million tourists this year.

¶ 11 Some in previous governments advanced tourism there—or promoted narcotics trade. On Monday, the State Minister discussed with North Western Province Police officials ensuring public security in the Kalpitiya–Vanathavillu area. As the President told the UN General Assembly, we will take all measures to eradicate drugs. We have arranged all measures in Puttalam to eliminate drug use and trade.

¶ 12 As the President also said—on poverty eradication and enhancing education—our Government is implementing programs: student allowances, senior citizens’ allowances, pay hikes for public servants. Insha Allah, we will eradicate poverty and drugs and make Sri Lanka a peaceful nation with an educated populace under the NPP Government. Thank you.