The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, I appreciate the confirmation by Hon. J. C. Alawathuwala of my Private Member’s Motion. He echoed taking forward what his father once initiated. I also value the ideas presented by Hon. Chathuri Gangani of Monaragala District, including Indian-assisted housing in the estates—we welcome that, and we must work with estate-based concepts and their assistance.

¶ 02 I also welcome the Minister’s remarks. Let me depoliticize this: these concepts were introduced under several past governments. What we need now is not politics but doable action. Since Independence, about 19 governments have ruled; all spoke of giving houses. Let’s do as much as we can, but do not make this solely a government burden. Take it to a public–private partnership (PPP); give land; allow the private sector to deliver. Under Article 148, the Government can only spend around 13% in this sphere; therefore, use PPPs and mobilize the private sector.

¶ 03 You say industry has collapsed; then here is a chance to revive it. That is why I called it supply-side management. Hon. Anil Jayantha and Deputy Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma were here; I use those ideas to push this concept. Before long, you will admit the Central Bank is an impediment to growth. I say this with feeling: present this to business, enable credit creation, and move forward. The IMF does not impose conditions barring this; and if they do, tell them politely we will manage domestic priorities to move the country forward—like Dr. Mahathir in Malaysia, who pushed supply-side management and moved ahead after stepping away from the IMF.

¶ 04 This year Rs. 1,374 billion is allocated. Four months have passed; if we take it through procurement committees, seven months will be gone, leaving only five months to spend Rs. 1,315 billion. It will not happen. Therefore, Hon. Minister, take the remaining money and push through PPPs. Let the private sector act so the cash flow is utilized within the year. I sense a shortfall; therefore, channel funds into the housing concept with clear targets, not just spending. The IMF monitors government spending; this does not affect PPPs similarly. For every MP here, housing is a burning issue in their seat.

¶ 05 Hon. Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, your current data show a housing need of around nine hundred thousand. Another source notes 1.5 million landless people without a perch. They cannot build. Let us create a mechanism for people-first, country-first delivery. I thank all Members who supported this proposal; let us implement it practically and make that dream a reality. Thank you.

¶ 06 Question put, and agreed to.