The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, at the outset, I extend my sincere congratulations to the Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva for his insightful, fact-based and solution-oriented speech which elevated this debate. Rather than political rhetoric—sometimes even from Government benches—he upheld Parliamentary democracy with rational, well-researched arguments.

¶ 02 He also mentioned, without sensationalism, that during President Rajapaksa’s time, when the President/Finance Minister was overseas, the State Minister sent a letter to the IMF—something that could have been mocked for quick popularity. He chose not to. We must appreciate such gentlemanly conduct in a time when satire garners instant “likes” while serious research and dignity receive less attention.

¶ 03 Turning to the economy: much is said about a service-oriented economy. After some quick research inspired by Hon. (Dr.) de Silva’s remarks, I note Japan’s model—a service-driven economy underpinned by discipline and culture. Discipline is their key asset.

¶ 04 Through this system change, we now have a Parliament with, I would say, 90 percent discipline across both Government and Opposition—though a few may be exceptions. For the next two decades, I believe both the NPP and the SJB deserve a larger role, given their leadership: an honest, untainted Leader of the Opposition, and experts like Dr. Harsha de Silva ready to contribute beyond partisan divides.

¶ 05 Looking at Japan’s benchmarks: skilled workforce and human capital; technological infrastructure and innovation; business environment and regulatory framework; advanced financial and banking systems; tourism and hospitality; cultural “soft power”; focus on high-value services; sustainable urban development and smart cities; cultural adaptability and a global outlook. When Singapore was at the bottom, it looked to us and rose under Lee Kuan Yew. We too can look to Japan.

¶ 06 The public’s 90 percent mandate across parties shows a desire for a new political culture and new faces—not only for NPP or President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, but broadly across parties.

¶ 07 Our challenges if we emulate high standards: first, a skilled workforce and education gaps. Sri Lankans are globally recognized as highly skilled; the issue is aligning education to skills. The Hon. Prime Minister is engaging this; once education is reoriented, we can aspire higher.

¶ 08 Second, weak digital and technological infrastructure. Regardless of ministerial portfolios, people are already moving to digital. With AI and tech-savvy generations, we can and must accelerate digital infrastructure. Sri Lankans excel in technology but often use it for the wrong ends; we need to channel it productively.

¶ 09 Third, regulatory and business environment challenges—now under active discussion.

¶ 10 Fourth, limited FDI and funding—addressed in many speeches, including by Hon. (Dr.) de Silva and Government Members. With developments like the Port City and the harbor and airport infrastructure—

¶ 11 Order, please! At this stage, the Hon. Speaker must have come to the Chair.

¶ 12 Whereupon THE HON. KITNAN SELVARAJ left the Chair, and THE HON. SPEAKER took the Chair.

¶ 13 Hon. Speaker, it is a privilege to speak when you are in the Chair.

¶ 14 Fifth, underdeveloped financial and banking services. I remain concerned by the absence of a fully equipped development bank that works beyond profit-oriented policies; we must establish one.

¶ 15 Sixth, infrastructure and connectivity. Capital expenditure is key. We have a fine railway network—arguably one of the most penetrative in the region—yet underused. Why do we send countless containers and bowsers by road? In Batticaloa, many stations even have adjacent fuel sheds. We can legislate that bowsers transporting fuel between two stations must pay a high toll, encouraging rail freight. We must utilize the railways properly.

¶ 16 Seventh, dependence on low-value services—most service jobs cluster in low value; this must change.

¶ 17 Eighth, political and economic instability. We are at a turning point. The recent crisis must remain in the past and never recur. With political instability, our people chose change.