The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chair, I am pleased to join this Adjournment debate, in light of the historic mandate the people gave the National People’s Power (NPP). I am glad to respond to an Opposition that tries to speak in any way to suit themselves and their agendas.

¶ 02 Why did the people entrust the NPP with a unique power no other government ever received? Who properly understood the real situation before the election: the people’s true problems and aspirations? Because we correctly identified those and presented genuine solutions, the people gave the NPP a resounding victory. The Opposition did not even during the election identify real issues or offer solutions; they spoke of their own concerns as if they were the people’s.

¶ 03 Let me place inflation figures under our government. Based on the CCPI, inflation was negative in Nov and Dec 2024: -2.1% and -1.78% respectively. Food inflation was 0.6% and 0.8% in those months; non-food inflation was -3.3% and -3.08%. Usually, during the festive season, food inflation rises. Did it happen this year? Despite some Members crying that there was no rice or coconut for milk rice, social media showed Opposition Members eating milk rice together, while the public celebrated Christmas and New Year with hope and joy. The reality of people’s lives was not what the Opposition portrayed. People trust the NPP government — they know no such government existed before, one that truly understands their problems and wants to solve them.

¶ 04 Also, do not forget how long we have been in office. After the Presidential victory, we governed with the world’s smallest Cabinet. Some tried to disrupt us with opinions and methods to put us in difficulty — those claiming experience. Yet as we managed the economy better, the stock market rose to unprecedented levels; our government’s stability improved; tourism revived; and “Aswesuma” benefits were increased and extended even for those whose benefits were due to end on December 31. Fertilizer subsidies for farmers increased; allowances for CKD patients increased; pensions were raised. Do these not count as relief?

¶ 05 We also promised to raise the PAYE threshold, and we did — giving professionals significant relief, which helps stem outflows of doctors, engineers, bankers, and other professionals. Why cry when we do this? Is it a loss to you? Or because it closes your routes?

¶ 06 When the NPP gives promises and hopes, we fulfill them — not because you cry or organize protests, but because it is our duty.

¶ 07 On electricity, as Minister: past rulers left us with the highest electricity tariff in the region, hitting living costs and industry, causing declines in production. We must give power at fair, affordable rates for people’s comfort and economic development. We pledged to bring tariffs at least to regional averages. Last month, I met CEB officials; they presented plans for the next six months. A dry period is ahead, reducing hydro; we must use fuel, which raises costs. Despite low inflation, we aim to maintain current tariffs. Though costs might rise, we, as a government, will absorb it. We have already submitted proposals to the Public Utilities Commission to keep tariffs unchanged. If relief to people causes difficulty to the state, we will bear it rather than burden the public. We are proud to be a people’s government.

¶ 08 Let us consider why tariffs are high: past corruption, lack of proper planning, and failure to implement plans. We have identified these and are implementing solutions, and the public will soon see results. The CEB has about 186 engineer vacancies; due to high taxes earlier, many left. With tax changes, we aim to resolve this and strengthen the institution.

¶ 09 In conclusion, we undertook this task to end rotten politics and deliver the NPP’s victory to the people. It will not take long for the public to see results. We are determined to fulfill the people’s aspirations. I conclude.

¶ 10 Thank you.