The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I am very grateful for this opportunity.

¶ 02 A short while ago, the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, and other Opposition MPs cast a host of false allegations. Though they are accustomed to lying, we, as a responsible Government, have a duty to respond. I challenge Sajith Premadasa and the MP who just spoke on behalf of the Opposition: if not today, then tomorrow, or at the next sitting week—submit with statistics, data, and institutional references any claim that during our one and a half years in office hundreds of thousands of jobs were lost. Various crises arose within industries during our tenure. As the Ministry of Labour, we intervened, brought together employers, trade union representatives, and employees, and resolved every industrial dispute, restoring industrial peace. We signed numerous 1/12 agreements. Just two or three weeks ago, when 5,000 jobs at “Hela Clothing” were at risk, we intervened and safeguarded those jobs and stabilized the institution. This is how we have acted since coming to power.

¶ 03 The Opposition, seeking cheap theatrics, throws any lie in this Chamber without shame. Even a lawyer told us yesterday, “Shameful!” They should feel ashamed. Whenever they cannot answer, they fall back on 1988-89 like dogs struck with stones. Even today an Opposition former Minister invoked that period. In TV debates and in this House, when questioned, and unable to answer, they hide behind 1988-89. I challenge them again: within the next two days—tomorrow and the day after—table the statistics on job losses.

¶ 04 They also claim we bankrupted the economy and made it worse than under Ranil Wickremesinghe. From where do they make such claims? Compared to when President Ranil Wickremesinghe took over, we have increased foreign remittances to record levels, boosted tourism to record levels, and developed the economy. We raised foreign reserves to USD 7.2 billion. How did Ranil build reserves back then? By choking the economy—no vehicle imports after 2019. We reopened vehicle imports, spending over USD 2 billion, and yet have managed the economy to its current status.

¶ 05 Some on the Opposition benches are agitated. The owner of “Nai Derana” TV began his speech yesterday predicting a great economic crisis, perhaps praying—like some in the Opposition—that a crisis will return and people will be left eating only roti and aralu leaves. I even heard he went for a Bodhi Pooja—my goodness! Someone who insulted Buddhism and the Buddha now seeks absolution by Bodhi Pooja? That will not wash away such insults.

¶ 06 Yesterday there was commotion—Namal and his group were agitated when a foreign travel ban was imposed on Gotabaya. The Pohottuwa and the group outside—Dilan and others—were also in a frenzy. As for the group of Gammanpila and Weerawansa, we are not surprised they panic. But why is the SJB so agitated whenever Pohottuwa panics? Are there some kinships there?

¶ 07 We understand the economy. We live among the people and know their hardships; we have always fought for them. When people fall into economic crises, we have never lived on ivory towers. We know this well. When we assumed office in September 2024, we reduced fuel prices by over Rs. 50. Anyone who understands global politics knows that the ongoing Middle East war is beyond our control; despite that war still raging, we have ensured uninterrupted supply of fuel and gas, and managed the economy. We know prices have risen. Remember, within our one and a half years we reduced prices of over 40 essential items; those reduced prices have risen somewhat with the crisis, but our reductions were real.

¶ 08 Amid all this, we faced the “Didva” cyclone. We allocated Rs. 50,000 million (Rs. 50 billion) for relief and are acting accordingly. We recruited 120,000 to essential services. We increased public sector salaries; over three years, they will see three increments. We are recruiting new graduate teachers. We stabilized 9,800 casual, temporary and contract workers—recruited before 1 September 2019—into permanent positions.

¶ 09 Therefore, dream as you wish—we will not obstruct your right to dream. But we emphasize: no matter your tantrums, the National People's Power Government will not be swayed. We will continue to offer maximum relief to the private sector, the SME sector, the State sector, and to all working people. When the Middle East conflict subsides and the energy crisis eases, we will build a more relief-oriented country and economy. Until then, continue dreaming—we will not obstruct you. I conclude.

¶ 10 Thank you.