The Hon. S.M. Marikkar

¶ 01 I had eleven minutes, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.

¶ 02 After a year, you cannot list accomplishments. You cherry-pick from the President’s speech. Yes, he said, “The fight against corruption is hard; failing to fight it is worse.” We appreciate that. But in this very year there’s been “ten billion worth of scams” being talked about. Recently the President claimed one billion dollars of investments—where are they, for what? According to current data, gross reserves rose only by about USD 0.1 billion this year. In July, exports were USD 1.38 billion, down; imports USD 1.9 billion; trade deficit USD 0.6 billion.

¶ 03 They boast of tourism: from January to August, tourism brought USD 2.38 billion—only USD 0.1 billion higher than last year. They’re great at showmanship. Last year’s growth of 5.4% has now slowed to about 4.9%. Their manifesto promised: control rice prices—did they? Remove taxes on petrol and diesel to cut prices—did they? Immediately cut electricity tariffs by 30%—a year gone, did they? Provide VAT relief for inputs to ensure fair prices for eggs and chicken—page 120—did they? Maintain at least three months’ essential food buffer stocks—page 113—did they? Reduce VAT on essential goods and services like locally produced milk, eggs, infant formula, school books and supplies, libraries, research and development—page 103—turn your own policy book and see. They haven’t delivered.

¶ 04 They promised a unique digital identification framework for every citizen to access public services—did they? Recruit 3,000 each to Inland Revenue, Customs, Foreign Service, and Tourism—page 728—did they? Guarantee job security and fair wages for manpower workers—same page—did they? Provide structured employment to unemployed graduates; recruit 20,000 teachers—how many? Absorb 3,000 STEM and 9,000 non-STEM graduates into IT—how many? Create a comprehensive contributory pension for all workers—page 688—done? Establish a universal social security fund—page 718—done? Arrest those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks within a year—done? Repeal the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Act—done? No—still used for repression. Repeal the Online Safety Act’s restrictive clauses—page 608—done? Increase the personal income tax-free threshold to Rs. 2.4 million—actually set to Rs. 1.8 million. Hold long-delayed Provincial Council elections promptly—page 230—still no polls. Resolve teachers’ and principals’ salary anomalies urgently—page 168—done?

¶ 05 Hon. Deputy Chairperson: You have two more minutes.

¶ 06 I will conclude briefly. You promised housing finance for young couples—page 318—where is it? Amend the Sports Law and ensure equal provision of sports equipment for all schools—page 348—not done.

¶ 07 You sought 70% of the Muslim vote. From the Opposition benches you chaired the Palestine Solidarity Foundation. Today, despite mass killings in Gaza, silence. Here is a photo: Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, inaugurating the Israel–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Knesset, while the President cries at the UNGA. On the ground, Arugam Bay is turned into an Israeli enclave with restaurants barring Sri Lankans.

¶ 08 This “ten billion in scams” is why, as Hon. Dilith Jayaweera said, you could not even hold a first-year showcase. Go to village three-wheeler parks—you cannot face them. The first shot was reserved for those who brought you to power. Countries like Canada, UK, Portugal, Australia recognized Palestine as a state despite US pressure, exposing your duplicitous, two-faced, lying, corrupt policy.

¶ 09 You have five years. A year has gone. We are not saying collapse the government. At least next year, answer these and get the work done. Thank you.