The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, although the Hon. Rohana Bandara has placed on the Order Paper a Private Member’s Motion to enhance State intervention in the importation and distribution of essential food items, his speech did not reflect that. His objective is clear to us: pointing to the moon for the people while kicking them in the stomach—trying to pass the ball to the Government side for political effect.

¶ 02 They have done this for 76 years—pointed to the moon while hitting the people in the gut. Today, the same. The NPP has created a comprehensive programme to build a “Prosperous country – Beautiful life,” rebuilding agriculture, food security, and addressing the 69% of food imports in an organized way. When the current Government, led by our President and relevant Ministers, began to implement these, they could not stand it. They jump up with Motions and claim ownership. The Opposition is fractured; this is the third time they have been crushed to the ground by the people. All they can do is bring deceptive Motions to mislead society, target the NPP, and launch smear campaigns.

¶ 03 Who destroyed the agriculture sector that is our food security system? Remember the UNP Government’s “Regaining Sri Lanka” in 2001—policy of withdrawing the State from the economy. Those presenting Motions today did not have the feelings or understanding about food security, education, agriculture, or the people. We have no problem if these Motions remind the public of the NPP programme. We are not a political movement that seeks to block the policies we presented for the people to rebuild the fallen country.

¶ 04 In our policy, we have clearly set out how to rebuild the country as an agro-economy, increase productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, stabilize markets, and ensure proper land management.

¶ 05 Also, correct input management, eco-friendly operations, empowerment of agricultural production, climate risk management, research and knowledge management, and improved operations management are all outlined.

¶ 06 They broke the agriculture sector, but with it we aim to deliver a “Prosperous country – Beautiful life” and have a sound plan for food security. The people have endorsed us. Our Agriculture Minister and our Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, are implementing it. They can’t bear to watch; it is like rubbing chili on their eyes. They broke the country, now say the NPP must do this and that. We are doing it. With our policy and political culture, they cannot keep up. The NPP is on a clear path, gaining the people’s blessing and international attention. The Opposition fears they will not regain power and tries to ride on our policies. Pathetic.

¶ 07 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.