Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

¶ 01 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

¶ 02 Today we debate the Head of Expenditure of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development—an essential Ministry ensuring daily necessities. I listened to the Hon. Minister’s remarks.

¶ 03 This morning on television, “Paththare Visthare” stated clearly: milk powder prices will go up—on the very day we debate this Ministry’s estimates, with the decision taken yesterday, and effective from April 1. Hon. Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, what is your horoscope sign—Kumbha? I ask because some signs face more criticism these days. Your Ministry is not easy; whether things go right or wrong, you get the blame.

¶ 04 But there is a way to save yourselves. I watched a speech by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake when he was in the Opposition—he said milk powder is essential for innocent children and adults, and government must avoid taxing such essentials. Milk powder is largely imported. I therefore urge you to protect the President: remember, Finance Ministry officials never seek votes; they don’t go to villages. We have suffered from some of them. Be careful—reduce taxes so you can reduce the milk powder price, especially with Ramadan now and Sinhala–Hindu New Year approaching.

¶ 05 People struggle to live. You were brought to power because people could not make ends meet due to high prices of coconuts, sugar, dhal, bread, etc. You promised a prosperous country and a beautiful life, but today living is hard. Rice that was Rs. 180–200 per kilo is now Rs. 250–270; Keeri Samba is scarce; coconut prices are high. Therefore, focus your Ministry more on easing people’s hardship.

¶ 06 About Lanka Sathosa: you spoke about thefts—true but bitter. Remember, governments cannot run businesses effectively in today’s market. Sathosa’s lower prices do not reach all consumers; in rural shops, prices differ. Please expand the network and reach.

¶ 07 Also, alcohol prices: your government further increased prices. Many people drink moderately; you cannot stop it by force. Try to reduce prices reasonably to curb illicit kasippu consumption, which burdens hospitals. Ultimately, these issues land on your desk because of your subject. You’ve taken on a tough challenge. Pursue wrongdoers—without exceptions—from former ministers down to workers, using proper legal action.

¶ 08 About COPE: I have never canceled a COPE sitting at anyone’s whim. Being in government is hard; we know from years in opposition how promises differ from execution.

¶ 09 There are 35,000 graduates engaged in continuous protests for jobs; many of them likely voted for you expecting a new order. Let them voice their grievances; court bans only aggravate wounds. When previous protests occurred, harsh retaliations cost governments. Manage dissent democratically.

¶ 10 Regarding a recent incident in Medirigiriya, Polonnaruwa: at a musical show, when singers failed to perform, equipment was vandalized; falling racks could have killed dozens. Do not allow such lawlessness. The President said we must all be under the law. Enforce it swiftly and meaningfully; otherwise, people lose faith.

¶ 11 Your Ministry is one the public feels daily. Both government and opposition spoke on cooperatives—please revive the sector. But reducing prices of 40 items only at Sathosa is not felt by the whole population. When in government, we often focus on ministries and projects; but when we go to villages, we hear the real story. Go to the villages, understand their true hardships, and give people a chance to live with dignity. Thank you.