The Hon. Lal Premanath

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, today we debate a vital proposal that gives life to our economy’s future. With this decision we show the world that our economy is stabilizing and that Sri Lanka is a reliable destination for tourists seeking beauty.

¶ 02 We are debating the submission for Parliamentary approval of the Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations, No. 7 of 2025, under Act No. 1 of 1969.

¶ 03 As usual, the Opposition deviates from the topic. Like the saying “A man who ate poison knows the mind,” as arrests increase, so does their howling; disruptions to orderly proceedings grow.

¶ 04 Returning to the topic: tourism is the heart of our economy. We faced massive challenges and an economic abyss. With courageous members of this government, we studied and intervened to change course.

¶ 05 Yesterday, our President spoke to the world at the 80th UNGA. Let me quote: “In the recent historic election, the Sri Lankan people made a decision for a centuries-old dream, and the 38th Legislature became one of diversity and variety.” You can see that diversity in this Parliament.

¶ 06 “On the one hand, the entire nation placed great trust in the government.” Today, the people remain so, no matter how much the Opposition writhes.

¶ 07 “On the other hand, there was a historic rise in representation of women, other communities, and even a visually impaired Member.” I recall how the Opposition mocked that visually impaired colleague. What the world now embraces, we adopted a year ago—they could not understand it then. It has been only one year; do not expect in days what takes years. We inherited a country plunged into an abyss, with underworld killings rampant. We are changing that.

¶ 08 In the President’s words: “The diversity displayed within Parliament assures ethnic diversity in governance and reaffirms our commitment to equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.”

¶ 09 For over 30 years, previous rulers dragged this country into war; we have now built a Parliament to forge national unity without ethnic divides. You cannot destroy that with insults.

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

¶ 11 Concluding the quotation: “Our commitment to equal rights and opportunities for all citizens has been reaffirmed. We have also set an example that public representatives are to serve the public, not to receive undue privileges.”

¶ 12 Only a leadership that earns trust from the grassroots up can speak so boldly to the world. We work in unity under such leadership. The President also noted: “In the 2025 Global Democracy Index, our nation advanced by 15 places—a noteworthy achievement in a short time.”

¶ 13 You accuse us of copying the President’s speech. Yes—we will echo his words that lift Sri Lanka on the global stage, because such elevation enables concrete plans for tourism to bear fruit. We are committed to climbing to a leading position. We will not stop here. With the President, all forces, and the people, we will lift this nation—no matter the barking around us. Thank you.