The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, before today’s subjects, I must note: in Wennappuwa, some who pawned property after borrowing from banks are shedding crocodile tears about the people; we can provide full details if needed.

¶ 02 On today’s items—rules and orders relating to construction and vehicle imports: these two sectors indicate a country’s movement. We discussed in COPE the special electric vehicle permit scheme for overseas workers from May 2022 to 05 September 2023 to boost remittances. We observed that some MPs and Ministers misused that opportunity: among permit holders, four had not even visited Sri Lanka (to any island of Sri Lanka) during the period, yet received permits. Further, permit issuance authority was exercised by the Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment without delegating to the Import and Export Controller. A minimum stipulated overseas employment period was required, but permits were given even to those with as little as three months abroad. Questions arose on remittance patterns: declared job roles and purported remittance volumes did not match; large sums were sent, likely on behalf of others, raising money-laundering suspicions. No proper review has been done.

¶ 03 Some in the Opposition claimed Customs revenue increased only because of higher taxes. But present accurate timelines: how long were vehicle imports suspended, and why? A clearing agent friend told me that earlier some officials’ “side incomes” were open; now those doors are closed, so importers pay due taxes. I say this to commend honest officials. A small clique, tied to some political authorities, previously abused funds and property; that must be acknowledged. Due to those unscientific practices, the economy suffered massively, causing the current crises, including in vehicle imports.

¶ 04 On construction: it covers roads, buildings, ports and airports—sectors essential under any government. Such projects must be based on people’s needs and value for money, not on whims. Historically, many were not scientific or needs-based; commissions of 5–15 percent were rampant. Some investors even withdrew because they couldn’t sustain the bribe load. Now, after discussions with institutions, projects are restarting properly. Previously we built expressways but did not develop the economy; built ports but not exports; built Nelum Kuluna but did not elevate tourism. Without integration, projects become white elephants. We must link rural production to expressways and export logistics so benefits reach the people. Past benefits flowed to a few via fraud; that has changed. We focus on a production economy, with this coming year to uplift rural industries and expand infrastructure accordingly. We have begun rural road concreting, delivering more meters than contracted by eliminating corruption. Thank you.