The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 System change selected you all and us. Remember that and do not try to have this system change exclusively for yourself. It was not only for you that people voted; they voted for us as well. About 95 per cent of the people voted for us as well. That is why, today, except for the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya, all other political parties have become minorities. That is the reality; accept it. By the outlook of the people, the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya is the alternative. So, look at that reality. That is what I am saying. From a political point of view, political stability has set in. Then, we must get over the economic crisis as well.

¶ 02 You also have weak global integration and trade policies. That is where I think we have to concentrate more. We have limited trade agreements with other countries and we have to interact with global superpowers to have trade transactions. So, I would say that if Sri Lanka wants to achieve a developed service-based economy like Japan has, we must invest in education and vocational training, improve digital infrastructure to boost e-services and e-commerce, simplify business regulations to attract FDIs and startups, strengthen financial and banking services, modernize transport, diversify high-value services like tech and ensure political and economic stability.

¶ 03 Thank you, Sir.

¶ 04 I think if I wind up today without talking about Gaza, I would be failing in my duty. Sir, I stand before this esteemed Assembly to express my profound condemnation of the Israeli regime's recent and egregious violations of international law through its renewed military operations in Gaza. The abrupt resumption of hostilities marked by relentless airstrikes and ground offensive has resulted in the tragic loss of lives of over 400 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, during this sacred month of Ramadan.

¶ 05 This blatant breach of the ceasefire not only undermines the prospects for lasting peace, but also constitutes a direct assault on our shared humanity.

¶ 06 The aggression extends beyond Gaza's borders. Recent reports indicate that Israeli forces have conducted operations in Yemen, Syria and Lebanon, targeting civilian populations including women, children and humanitarian aid workers. Such actions exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and represent flagrant violations of international law, Sir. The international community cannot remain silent in the face of these atrocities.

¶ 07 Sir, it is deeply concerning that the United States continues to provide their unwavering support to Israel, thereby emboldening its unlawful actions and perpetuating a cycle of violence. So, that has to be condemned.

¶ 08 Sir, just give me half a minute and I will finish up.

¶ 09 This endorsement not only fuels further conflict, but also undermines the foundations of peace in the region. I call upon the Arab leaders and the broader international community to unite in resisting these policies. Finally, I urge the Government to take a clear stand on this matter.

¶ 10 Thank you very much, Sir, for giving me this opportunity.