The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, let me remind Hon. Harsha de Silva: you handed us a country that degraded human living conditions and physical indicators, earned the contempt of global leaders and institutions, and cultivated a populace made numb. If two more years had passed in that trajectory, Sri Lanka would have become a narco-criminal state where future generations and adults alike walked the streets deranged. Remember that.

¶ 02 You claim development happened then, and we changed course due to our ideology. No. Our sole purpose before and after taking office has been to make this small island prosperous and give a beautiful life to all. For the first time in history, the people entrusted us with a mandate that cemented national unity. We are committed to deliver.

¶ 03 To stabilize a shattered economy, we must breathe life into domestic entrepreneurs and investors whose spines were broken—260,000 businesses collapsed, assets seized. We, as a people’s government, intervened to revive them. Today’s regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act to allow vehicles for tourism transport are part of empowering them. Our Ministers and Members have clearly explained the initial path and actions of this people’s government.

¶ 04 We have nourished every sector: raised public servants’ minimum basic salary from Rs. 24,250 to Rs. 40,000; pensions by Rs. 3,000; private sector minimum basic wage from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 27,000; disaster loans from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 400,000. We elevated education: Grade 5 scholarship allowance from Rs. 750 to Rs. 1,500; Mahapola from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500; preschool meal from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100; Rs. 6,000 for school books/stationery; Dhamma school teacher allowance from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500; preschool teacher monthly allowance increased. For farmers: fertilizer support from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000; fuel support to all fishing vessels. We strengthened social welfare: Aswesuma from Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 17,500; kidney patients and disabled from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000; elders’ allowance from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000. We have worked to lift the innocent from the abyss you left.

¶ 05 With 24 years in Parliament, I expected a constructive Opposition—wise, learned, presenting evidence-based critiques to help us do better. Sadly, especially from the Leader of the Opposition downwards, we see aimless rhetoric. A few do make sensible points, but overall, poor conduct. His presidential dream will not materialize; he suffers political blindness and demagoguery. In Hambantota District, his projects—housing, bridges—lie abandoned, with billions wasted. People await justice; perhaps that is why he avoids visiting.

¶ 06 On drugs: the menace is now a national tragedy. Many big names will be exposed by ongoing operations. We interfere with no one—let investigators freely reveal suspects and networks. Be patient and await the outcomes.

¶ 07 Hon. Deputy Chairperson: Please conclude.

¶ 08 Finally, Namal “Baby” comes to Parliament and leaves before answering. He does not attend District Coordinating Committees, nor do his aides. They come here, posture, hurl insults, and depart. The people will give them the proper answer in time. I conclude. Thank you.

¶ 09 [Expunged on the order of the Chair.]