The Hon. K. Ilankumaran

¶ 01 [4.17 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak in this debate on the Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act.

¶ 03 Many from the Opposition spoke critically. We ask them: when the National People’s Power (NPP) came to govern, what did you predict? You spread rumors that the dollar would soar, there would be fuel shortages, and power cuts. None of that has happened. Within a year, we have kept the economy stable. When vehicle imports were allowed, some said the dollar would spike; yet the exchange remains stable.

¶ 04 The President has even opened up presidential residences for tourism because we can strengthen the people economically through tourism. We are moving toward that goal. This year the country has received a large number of tourists. In the Northern Province, the numbers are still low because, even 16 years after the war, tourism sites were not identified and developed. The President identified many locations as tourism zones during his visit to the North, and preliminary steps are underway. For example, in Poonakary (Pooneryn), we have identified 200 acres at Gowtharimunai for a tourism zone. Diaspora investors are looking to invest because they now have confidence—our country is advancing democratically, respecting all, and ensuring safety.

¶ 05 For instance, a Tamil doctor from Australia has invested in tourism in Pannai and plans to operate a luxury air-conditioned ferry service to Neduntheevu (Delft). He has given us assurances. Our country is moving forward and cannot be pulled back by critics. Particularly some from the North in the Opposition criticize us, but they cannot reverse our path; we will proceed with foresight.

¶ 06 During the President’s visit to the North, he launched a coconut production unit. We have identified a coconut triangle in the North and plan to cultivate 16,000 acres this year. We will distribute coconut saplings free to youth, give fertilizer subsidies, and Rs. 30,000 per acre support. We do this to boost coconut production and export coconut-based products, thereby growing the economy. Economic advancement is a long-term journey based on world-class, fast-advancing standards; Sri Lanka is joining that list.

¶ 07 Some people violate the law on the streets, trying to revive old political culture. If one breaks the law, penalties will follow—none of us is above the law. Some make careless statements—perhaps missing their medication—and then apologize later. Before the law, all are equal. We ask them to abandon old political practices and instead join this people-friendly Government. Lawbreakers will be punished; don’t obstruct the country’s progress.

¶ 08 The Government warmly embraces Tamil people democratically. Therefore, to Members from the North: do not associate with those reviving old political culture. Strengthen democratic governance. Please abandon that old agenda and work with us to advance the country.