The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate the Resolution under the Customs Ordinance made pursuant to Gazette notifications under the Revenue Protection Act, No. 19 of 1962.

¶ 02 We all know during the time of the previous regime—the era of the Hon. Member’s “grand-uncle”, as he says—the economy fell into an abyss: gas and fuel queues, foreign reserves depleted to where we could not import even turmeric. Then vehicle imports were banned. The National People’s Power government has ended the era of queues, restoring stability gradually. We have not solved everything, but we are strengthening the economy so we never again plunge into such crisis.

¶ 03 Part of that is carefully reopening vehicle imports—needed for agriculture, commerce, and tourism—without handing out permits or destroying dollar reserves, but in a measured, phased way with appropriate duties.

¶ 04 What is amusing is that those who should be celebrating victories are those who lost, taking delight here. Our victories? In these local elections, there was no curfew during counting, no violence, and children went to school. That is the fundamental change the NPP has brought: no house burnings, no “violence” in the air. Still, the Opposition uses data not to prove points but like a drunk man uses a lamppost—only for support, not illumination. Their data lacks foundation.

¶ 05 They claim great victories. The SJB and others say they prevailed. They won 148 out of 339 local bodies. Even with 147 in front, they cannot form administrations alone. Our supporters, and even neutrals, gave us constructive criticism; we will correct weaknesses. But we will not take lectures from a corrupt Opposition that bankrupted the country.

¶ 06 They are comparing presidential or parliamentary elections with local elections. You must compare apples to apples. This time we have won 267 local bodies—more than the 226 the then-powerful Pohottuwa won in 2018. We have clear majorities in about 120 and parity in 32 more where we can still form administrations. No party in history has won this many local authorities before; this is the greatest local-election victory.

¶ 07 They say people left us because we lied. If we had lied, the people would have left us; instead, we lead with 267 out of 339. The people also sent a small message: “You are a bit slow; make the changes faster.” We heard that.

¶ 08 Some in the Opposition say power has already shifted. Hold a national election tomorrow—this “set” has no deposits even. Also consider how far the SJB’s vote this local poll is below their last presidential tally. Local and national dynamics differ; we do not need to compare. We will establish administrations where we won.

¶ 09 Most of our elected members at the grassroots were not prior office holders; unlike others who built bases over years, our people won on policies. The last five months show public consent for this government’s process. We will keep working; after four years, it will not be possible to dislodge the NPP—from local bodies, Parliament, or the Presidency. The people’s message is: the path is good, keep your promises, work faster. We heard it; we will self-review, fix weaknesses, and proceed successfully. Thank you.