Hon. T.K. Jayasundara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, like the proverbial drunk cat that then challenges others, an MP just challenged us to publish bank accounts. Coming from a movement that did many corrupt acts, that is ironic. If there are issues with our accounts, complain to the Police or Bribery Commission. We are ready to present anything lawfully.

¶ 02 Today’s discussion is a technical amendment: in the 2024 No. 07 regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, Regulation 12’s date “30 June 2025” is replaced with “30 September 2025.” But this arises from a larger political transformation. One year after we came to power, our indicators are markedly better: GDP from -4.1% (Q2 2024) to +4.9% (Q2 2025); reserves to USD 6.2 billion, targeting USD 7 billion; indicators improving across the board. The past year was for stabilization, earning public trust, and winning the international community. The Opposition predicted the dollar at Rs. 400; now they cannot digest today’s stability. As the rule of law takes effect, some in the Opposition are agitated. Investors and international actors engage with us.

¶ 03 We measure victory by the agitation of our adversaries. The President’s UN speech addressed global poverty—millions of children go hungry worldwide. Our anti-poverty drive is moving fast, with agriculture, industry, and tourism supported with facilities. On the ground, you can see canals cleaned, irrigation restored, and farmers returning to fields this season.

¶ 04 The speech also addressed the underworld, narcotics, and corruption—factors that drag society back. A 2019 National Dangerous Drugs Control Board report by Prof. Saman Abeysinghe notes 11.9% of over-14s had used cannabis; 0.68% heroin; high prevalence in Western Province/Colombo; 739 kg of heroin seized in 2018. After 2018, “ice” cases rose from 257 to 13,000 by 2021—who governed then? UNP with SLPP elements. By 2024–25 they brought “ice” in containers; now we are uncovering and bringing them under law.

¶ 05 We recall the link between rulers and underworld across eras—from “Gonawala Sunil,” “Soththi Upali,” “Badddegana Sanjeewa,” to later eras. The “kurakkan satakaya” period dismantled party structures—district and seat organizations—replacing them with ad hoc “blue squads,” destroying party mechanisms. Today those who shout about multi-party democracy destroyed the party system, leaving only gangs and fragments. Our democracy was ruined by that cohort.

¶ 06 Corrupt politics, poverty growth, and rising debt went hand in hand. The people changed that era at the last election, giving us power to build a new era. The old guard cannot adjust and therefore criticize. We have a great responsibility as the country embarks on a new awakening, having won international confidence. I conclude. Thank you.