The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, there are two issues here: not understanding, and asking in bad faith. Ministers answer officially in this House, yet some keep quoting social media. Do not act knowingly on falsehoods.

¶ 02 Billions were spent on foreign travel by former Presidents and entourages, at public expense. Those details were tabled this morning regarding former President Ranil Wickremesinghe: over two years, more than 23 foreign trips costing billions. Where were these critics then? At that time there were no reserves even for medicine or fuel; the economy collapsed. Now they lecture us on economics.

¶ 03 We have restarted vehicle imports in phases because we rebuilt reserves and macro stability. We want a strong Opposition to keep Government strong, but let it be responsible. Our economic approach is to boost production, save where possible, eliminate corruption, attract investment and create the political environment for growth. That is how we climbed back from bankruptcy, with sacrifices by our people and our movement.

¶ 04 Reserves are now around US$6.5 billion. With that prudence, we first allowed public transport vehicles, then vehicles for tourism and investment, and now limited personal imports with controls—so inflation stays contained, the trade balance is managed, and reserves are protected. Exports in Q1 2025 reached about US$4.2 billion, and we anticipate further gains via investment and tourism. The World Bank Group has also provided a US$1 billion package for sectors including agriculture, tourism, regional development and jobs.

¶ 05 We have nearly 4,000 local authority members and authority over about 267 local bodies, reflecting a new political culture—elections without curfew or fear, and schools functioning the next day. That civic normalcy is worth more than the numbers alone. Thank you.