The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, today we discuss an Order under the Finance Act No. 35 of 2018 and Orders under the Construction Industry Development Act No. 33 of 2014. Many in the Opposition, rather than addressing these, dwell on their electoral defeat and level criticisms at the government, often with falsehoods.

¶ 02 On paddy purchases raised earlier: I represent Polonnaruwa. All our stores were opened from this week. Contrary to claims of no collection centers, all district centers commenced operations this week. The government is not subservient to big millers. In the past, big millers captured power; our government is breaking that hold.

¶ 03 We have over 30 Sathosa stores and over 100 cooperative stores in our district, which were closed historically. Many PMB stores were closed and paddy rotted due to taking in wet paddy via underhand deals. Now we purchase only dry, weight-stable paddy. In this Yala season alone, over 26,000 MT have already been purchased in Polonnaruwa—the highest harvest and purchase volumes.

¶ 04 From morning, we saw members avoiding the topic and trying to score political points. Let me focus: the construction sector collapsed for over five years; now village housing, public buildings, highways and byways are restarting. These amendments lay the foundation for a broader rebound.

¶ 05 Previously, obtaining contracts required paying large sums and political interference. We want fair access for small to large contractors, based on their own assets and capacity—these amendments aim for that. In District Coordinating Committees, officials used to say the biggest commotion was MPs dividing roads and contracts. We now facilitate contracting without taking a cent from anyone. We also reduced CIDA registration renewal fees down to Rs. 5,000 to encourage new entrants. Historically, “community-based organisations” signed in name only while political proxies executed and skimmed. We are ending that.

¶ 06 The Opposition laments because their illicit streams have dried up. Yes, some taxes have increased, but unlike before, these funds are used for public upliftment, not theft. No country can progress without taxes. Our distinction: we have halted theft, bribery and MP contract capture. In Polonnaruwa, Rs. 10,200 million is allocated this Budget, 60% for construction, strengthening rural economies and livelihoods. Offer constructive, not negative, criticism. Thank you.