The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chair, I hoped for a constructive debate on the current economy; however, given the issues raised, I will address them.

¶ 02 The President, who long championed the poor, now comes weekly to Parliament to present a narrative loaded with statistics—numbers used to mask the reality. For instance, this year’s capital budget was Rs. 1.410 trillion; only Rs. 337 billion (27%) has been spent so far, with just five months left. That directly affects GDP. We appreciate his effort to claim a sound path, but he forgets those who trusted him were the poor. Where in these numbers are the realities the poor keep telling us? Who is paying the bulk of taxes? Indirect taxes burden the poor: VAT upon VAT—including on schoolbooks once promised to be exempt. We support an anti-corruption path, but we cannot only talk corruption daily and expect the country to advance.

¶ 03 Previously, he mocked “helpers who learn to become bosses” as “apprentice bosses.” Today, he must come to explain why his own helpers are blocking progress. We face a social tragedy—a push for a homogenized “global citizen,” eroding our values, religion, and culture, breeding negativity without a clear path or education reform that creates hope. If you truly want the “proud Sri Lankan,” we will help—but if you continue false politics and blame the past, we will challenge you and enrich this debate.

¶ 04 Geopolitically, we face major challenges; those who said they would escape the IMF trap are now entangled. We do not even know whether duty-free imports of US vehicles without duties are allowed or not. We seek clarity. I conclude.