The Hon. Sudath Balagalla

¶ 01 We formed this government to uplift our industrial system, our tourism, and our agriculture. To the Opposition MPs: we are not newcomers who watched idly while you destroyed agriculture; these new MPs fought on the main roads. When you ruined fisheries, they fought at the fishing grounds. When you wrecked the industrial system, we struggled with the workers. When you damaged education, our comrades fought alongside teachers. We are a group that truly understands people’s problems and has lived with them. We do not need new lectures. We know the root, middle, and end of the issues. We are ready to solve them within five years.

¶ 02 On the media: someone here, wearing a white tie, spoke grandly about media. Those who murdered, disappeared, and crippled journalists now speak about the media. Crocodile tears! These are the same people who came to destroy the media. Media leaders should realize it was the media itself that sometimes drove this country to ruin. A comrade reminded us about Dr. Shafi’s children’s future. A colleague of mine who taught his daughter at university spoke of the plight she faced — it cannot be priced or covered with money. We are ready to end the Opposition’s dream of seeing this country destroyed. I conclude.

¶ 03 Thank you.