The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, Hon. Amila Prasada has brought a very timely Motion. Listening to Government speakers, they still keep blaming the past 76 years instead of explaining what they will do about today’s people’s hardships. The people know what happened over 76 years, and all of you are responsible, not only previous rulers. The people brought you to power with more than a two-thirds. Your party has 159 MPs. Why did people give you this much power?

¶ 02 Because the country went bankrupt and there was a people’s struggle; people could not live. I remember President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, before the election, said first we must fill people’s stomachs—otherwise how will they live? It is now over 100 days since the Presidential Election and your Cabinet; do not just talk—create an environment where people can live.

¶ 03 The Motion concerns people who could not eat three meals—those who ate two meals went down to one. That is why your seats went from three to 159. Understand this public sentiment. You say the Opposition does not understand—we do. That is why we are here during this wave of public concern.

¶ 04 Fulfil your promises. As the Opposition, we will fully support any good measure for the people. But if you err, fail to deliver, and lie to the people, we will remind you and stand for the people.

¶ 05 You spoke about theft. We remind you: many indictments filed by the Attorney General were withdrawn for “technical defects.” You can now promptly reinitiate those cases. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption also filed many cases, some during Yahapalanaya in which you too were involved; these too were withdrawn citing technicalities. Correct those defects and refile.

¶ 06 You promised to punish thieves and recover stolen money. It has been over 100 days; at least now, start.

¶ 07 People cannot live today. Rice that was Rs. 170-180 per kg then is now Rs. 250-270. You said you would reduce fuel prices, but you still have not revised the tax imposed then when there were no dollars to pay for fuel. You promised an immediate 60 percent reduction in electricity bills; instead, you keep postponing—by six months. People voted expecting such reliefs. You criticized the fuel pricing formula then—now you continue with it, taxing fuel and passing the burden to the people. When will you remove these taxes and give relief?

¶ 08 Also, you are now removing amplifiers installed on three-wheelers and buses—did people expect this? If illegal, why were some approved? Even Motor Traffic Department–approved equipment is now targeted, affecting related businesses.

¶ 09 On public sector salaries: the previous Government raised them near the end of its term, but you keep delaying payment. On retirees: many injustices; you said an extra 5 percent interest on their deposits, and now reduced it further. Essentials are still high. Newspapers say taxes on 90 food items will return.

¶ 10 On foreign employment and dollars: address the passport appointment delays. Many seeking jobs or higher studies cannot get passports quickly—appointments are months away. If this continues, remittances will decline. When Ranil Wickremesinghe left, reserves were US$ 6.5 billion; now they are decreasing. If you do not resolve these issues, the country will suffer. Thank you.