The Hon. Riyas Farook

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Madam Deputy Chairperson, I am honoured to have been elected to this Tenth Parliament on behalf of the National People’s Power. I thank Almighty God for this opportunity, and I remember my parents and teachers. I express heartfelt gratitude to the voters of Kandy District who supported me regardless of ethnicity, religion or region.

¶ 03 In Sri Lankan history, this Government has been chosen by all communities, transcending divisions. Along our journey, our beautiful multi-ethnic nation has suffered greatly; rivers of blood flowed because people were divided by race and religion. We wish to see that sorrow reversed — Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims living together as children of one mother, as Sri Lankans, united. We are ready to contribute fully to build a developed country where people live beautiful lives. I extend my hand of friendship to all Members. Let us work together, beyond party, ethnicity and region, to build a clean, corruption-free, non-racist Sri Lanka, eradicate rural poverty, and digitize the nation so all can live well.

¶ 04 I also thank the 64,043 voters of Kandy District who elected me, defeating entrenched ministers and overcoming a seat long thought unwinnable. When one party fostered racism, our people suffered, and others with ministers could not speak against it. The people chose the NPP for national harmony and a better political culture. Let us protect national unity, end rural poverty, build a clean Sri Lanka and digitize the country. I conclude with thanks.