The Hon. Lal Premanath

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for this opportunity.

¶ 02 Today, the Minister of Transport and other Ministers clarified many matters related to the regulations, orders, and resolutions before us. However, instead of providing constructive information, the Opposition has, as usual, offered constant criticism and admonition. I believe we must tell the people how this Government is working. Therefore, I will devote most of my time to that.

¶ 03 Our system of governance is, in quality, scale, and sacrifice, different from what this country has seen. The Opposition still does not understand this; they view such a Government with a childish mindset. We do not treat voters as mere voters—we organize them meaningfully. In governance, we make all citizens active stakeholders through broad participation, right down to the village level, enabling decision-making and providing facilities. This is a powerful political culture that binds people to governance; we are achieving that goal to a significant extent.

¶ 04 From the President down, our Cabinet and MPs strive to uphold honesty and transparency at the highest level. We can assure you that not a single cent of public money has been misused by us or allowed to be misused by anyone else. This is a Government where honesty and transparency are stronger than in any previous Government. We account for every rupee. As a Government, we collectively take responsibility for every regulation, Gazette, and decision, and strive to make them realities.

¶ 05 Ours is a Government that presented a program to serve the people who suffered for so long. From the President downward, we work with broad understanding for every citizen. Therefore, when we present a Budget, every word, pledge, and promise is fulfilled before the Budget period ends. We fulfilled everything in our first Budget; and we are implementing everything said in the second, for 2026. If there were shortcomings in past years, we study and self-critique to correct them for the people’s benefit.

¶ 06 We know there is a major housing issue. The Minister promises at least 55,000 houses this year—three Ministries are involved. Minister Sachithra Polraj is arranging 1,000 houses for children leaving care at age 18 to reintegrate into society. Minister (Dr.) Ginidum Sunil Senavi of Buddhist, Religious and Cultural Affairs is arranging 1,000 houses for parents who have offered a child to the Sangha. Others too are aligning to fulfill these promises.

¶ 07 The President has announced a preventive, public health-focused system to ensure a healthy nation. In Deniyaya, Matara District, a 150-year-old hospital faced landslide risk; after study, land has been acquired and Cabinet has approved LKR 6,000 million for a brand-new, fully-fledged hospital. In the past, hospitals were sited to suit political interests; we will site them based on population and geography.

¶ 08 We are doing similarly with education: ensuring every child has a school within three kilometers, ideally within one and a half kilometers by foot. When we say this, the Opposition Leader mocks it as building roads every three kilometers. This is not for our political campaigns; our children need it. The President’s Clean Sri Lanka and Poverty Eradication programs aim to change mindsets and build a compassionate generation; education is the pillar, and the Prime Minister as Education Minister is making great sacrifices, though she is insulted for it.

¶ 09 Those who claimed to do politics out of love for the people protested abolition of MPs’ pensions. I even saw a former, rejected Minister crying outside about pensions. If they truly came to serve, we would not have to take such hard decisions to rebuild the country. When we came, international confidence was at rock bottom; young people could not even get visas. The Treasury was empty; reserves were depleted; the country had defaulted. We are rebuilding such a country—this is not easy. We are not here for pensions or luxury.

¶ 10 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees: Hon. Member, your time is over.

¶ 11 Please allow a few more seconds.

¶ 12 Our President has earned international confidence. When we cite cricket as an example, the Opposition mocks, not grasping the value. In sport and trade, countries like India and Pakistan show alignment with us—this is significant.

¶ 13 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees: Please conclude.

¶ 14 The international community now looks at Sri Lanka with renewed trust. As the World Bank and IMF have highlighted, Sri Lanka is moving toward governance with integrity and fiscal transparency. This Government led by our President brings not only policy, but honesty and unity—bridging the gap between people and administration. When nations like India and Pakistan show solidarity through trade and sports, it is a global certificate of our stability and safety. We have transformed from a country in crisis to a nation with potential, proving that where there is transparency, there is progress. This is not just the Government; this is people’s power in action.

¶ 15 Thank you.