The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chair, the President claimed economic growth, yet spoke repeatedly of a conspiracy to topple the Government—seemingly from within, given his repeated references. He began with India–Pakistan tensions and even Israel–Iran, as if fearing bombs here. No one suggested bombs here; perhaps he fears political bombs in his own ranks.

¶ 02 If there is growth and higher revenues from tourism, exports and taxes, then deliver relief. He said electricity tariffs were scientifically raised; was that science absent when he promised reductions during the election? He promised to remove the 18% VAT on children’s books and essentials; if the economy is strong, why not fulfill that?

¶ 03 On the container case: 300 containers allegedly sent out illegally—this is widely known. If you were elected to end corruption, how did the “13th time” happen after 12 times before? Catch the culprits.

¶ 04 On the rupee: he said it is stable at around 300 per USD. But the USD has weakened against the Euro, SGD, INR, and CNY; thus our rupee’s strength must be seen in that context.

¶ 05 On sugar: Sri Lanka needs 650,000 tons annually; we produce only about 90,000 tons. Our governments began sugar mills—Gal Oya Hingurana, Sevanagala, Pelwatte—to support domestic production. We spend Rs. 120 billion in foreign exchange on sugar imports, after fuel and then fertilizer and wheat. In the first six months, despite local production, 375,000 tons were imported. Local producers cannot sell stock: Pelwatte holds 21,000 tons, Gal Oya 10,000, Ethimale 8,000. Meanwhile, imports flood in. Ethanol demand is 25 million liters; we produce 14 million—yet cannot sell, as imports—legal or illegal—have depressed prices from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 400-800 per liter. On local sugar, VAT of 18% and a 2.5% production levy are charged; on Indian, Pakistani, or Brazilian imports, VAT is not collected there—our farmer bears the burden. Reduce these taxes. There is no ammonia fertilizer at Sevanagala or Pelwatte; next year’s production will fall. Pelwatte machinery is broken; unless addressed, farmers will abandon cane. You promised to uplift domestic production but are destroying it. In Moneragala, cane and sugar are a main income; now mills are collapsing. We oppose these betrayals.