The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage — Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we are debating regulations under the Special Commodity Levy Act, a resolution under the Customs Ordinance, and regulations under the Motor Traffic Act. We legislate to advance our economy, society and culture—to make Sri Lanka a developed state.

¶ 02 Within a year we stabilized a country once stamped “bankrupt.” No one disputes this. Tourism has grown; arrivals rose from 2.0 million in 2024 to 2.36 million in 2025 because Sri Lanka is now stable, free and safe. Some measures also aim to attract tourists—for example, enabling them to drive from the airport on their foreign licence with proper facilitation.

¶ 03 Government revenue rose from Rs. 4,090 billion to Rs. 5,120 billion (2024 to 2025); remittances from USD 6,570 million to USD 8,070 million. Data on FX, arrivals, reserves and inflation signal stability.

¶ 04 During elections the Opposition said we would seize one of two vehicles people owned; instead many now have three or four—because we set the foundation for a prosperous country. We challenge the Opposition: if you doubt our growth, confront us with facts.

¶ 05 Alongside economic growth, we are delivering social development—a beautiful life in a prosperous country. The India–Pakistan cricket series hosted here showed international confidence in our safety and organization: around 32,000 watched peacefully; no incidents reported; security and logistics were well managed—sending the world a signal that Sri Lanka is free and peaceful. Sport itself contributes to social development, and we are working to uplift it.

¶ 06 We must also develop political culture. Unfortunately, the daily din and disregard for parliamentary traditions from the Opposition hinder this. We demonstrated higher standards—for example, passing the Parliamentary Pensions (Abolition) Bill. Some still opposed it; regrettable. We will build a mature political culture and respect those Opposition Members who support good measures.

¶ 07 Economic, social and political development are all vital. We ignore the mudslinging; we invite others out of the mud. Finally, I extend my best wishes to the Sri Lanka cricket team in the knockout stages and for an historic win against Australia.

¶ 08 Thank you.