The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, listening to the debate, some seem to have forgotten facts. On bus accidents from 01.01.2024 to 30.11.2024: SLTB fatal 50, grievous 125, minor 198; private buses fatal 148, grievous 379, minor 478. Speak with facts.

¶ 02 A Member used a derogatory term for the Opposition. Let us expunge that word from the Hansard. Instead, I say this is a “restless Opposition,” lacking calm and composure—apt given their speeches.

¶ 03 You claimed we held ministerial posts in a caretaker Government—false. We reduced ministries to 20 and joined Government in 2004; learn your history. You spread lies about antigens and staged media stunts to mislead people. Let me assure you: the National People’s Power Government cannot be toppled or turned back by such tactics. Some media aim daily to undermine us, even trying to free certain individuals; we will not allow impunity. Investigations are underway regarding whether certain persons should remain in hospital detention. We will not run kangaroo courts; the rule of law will prevail. Those who fled cases should return and face justice.

¶ 04 We cannot do economic magic in 52 days, but we have already changed the political culture. On prices, only about eight out of 40 tracked items rose since early December; inflation has turned negative, slowing price increases. Give us time.

¶ 05 Clean Sri Lanka is broader than removing bus and three-wheeler add-ons; this month is for awareness. We are laying foundations across ministries and coordination committees for long-term recovery. Next Budget will raise public sector salaries and expand reliefs: Aswesuma Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 10,000; Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,500; extend durations; Rs. 6,000 for children’s education; and other support—because of the hole you drove us into from 2015–2019, with growth falling from 5% to 2%, ISB debt of USD 12.5 billion, and the Central Bank scandal. Thank you.