The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, we view this debate positively. It is not very ethical for us to boast about ourselves. But this is like a free hit in a T20 match—we will use the opportunity.

¶ 02 A previous Hon. Member praised much about the Yahapalanaya Government and then said such things will not happen now. Let us recall 2015-2019—who was happy then? The highest debt burden in history piled up in that period, and the tragic Easter Sunday attacks also occurred. In 2020, there was a distorted Government. Now, a vast majority of people placed trust in the National People’s Power and formed a new Government.

¶ 03 They say prices rose—mainly a few items like rice and coconuts. But beyond that, people live today without fear; the rule of law prevails; anyone can go anywhere—Sinhalese to Jaffna and Jaffna residents to the South.

¶ 04 We want to give children good education. In times past, children suffered for lack of shoes. Now we are providing some funds for school supplies. Those who ruled 1,825 days now scrutinize our 50 days—we welcome it. As Minister Sunil Handunnetti said, they expect much from us, especially the Opposition. But the people are still with us—recent cooperative polls showed 100 percent wins in several areas like Battaramulla, Kuliyapitiya, Polgahawela, and Kaduwela. We are still in the hearts of the people.

¶ 05 Social media claimed people cannot have milk-rice for the New Year; we assure we will not mislead people and will ensure all essentials for the festivals.

¶ 06 Dear Tamil-speaking people, once we lived without peace; today we breathe easier. On the upcoming fasting month, there is talk of a shortage of green rice for porridge. As a responsible Government, we assure there will be no shortage of green rice for porridge during Ramadan. Hon. Uthumalebbe asked for a safe environment to fast—his request is ours too; the National People’s Power will ensure that safety. The fasting month will be important and peaceful for Muslims.

¶ 07 On vehicle body spare parts traders allegedly being harassed: we are only removing dangerous parts; actions are under normal police law, consistent with Clean Sri Lanka.

¶ 08 As MP for Dodangaslanda, Kurunegala, I request special attention to restore the Kalugahathenna area affected by a landslide last November.

¶ 09 In my view, this debate has hurt the Opposition; in 50 days we should not boast, but this time has been useful. The people have no problem; the Opposition has. On rice and coconuts, instead of arguing who created the situation, as a responsible Government we must solve it—and to a great extent we already have; in the coming weeks we will relieve the country of this problem. Let us unite across Government and Opposition to uplift lives, put aside media shows, use the mandate for the people, and work together to rebuild the country. Thank you.