The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, it is an honour to speak on the policy statement of the Tenth Parliament. I first extend my gratitude to the courageous people of Galle District for enabling my entry to this House, and to all communities—Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay—who made it possible for us to form the Government benches.

¶ 02 This is a historic victory in Sri Lankan politics. Power, which for centuries shifted from monarchs to colonizers and after 1948 circulated among a few parties, has now been vested—through the will of the vast majority—in a people-rooted movement. From Kollupitiya to Devinuwara, across North, South, East, West, across ethnic and religious lines, a great mandate was given. Many electoral records were reset—highest vote share, most districts won, most electorates won, highest individual votes, and highest women’s representation. We have no right to squander even a tenth of this mandate.

¶ 03 We did not arrive on a bed of roses. This power was built through immense sacrifice over decades—people gave not only sweat and tears but their very lives. Our duty now is to steer the country to the direction our people trust and expect.

¶ 04 As former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said, “It is a crime to have a small aim; seek a great aim.” We may be modest individuals, but we pursued a great aim: to one day win state power to rescue people from despair—where thousands take their lives because they cannot live. Through persistent dedication, we now hold state power. Our next great aim is to build the nation with our own hands and be satisfied only by seeing that rebuilt country with our own eyes and hearts—expecting nothing else.

¶ 05 Some in the Opposition focused on coconuts and rice instead of policy. This is a Government 13 days old. There is no coconut tree on earth that bears in 13 days. Let us be clear: the current rice and coconut crises were born under past Governments. We will not run away from these problems—we will shoulder them. The Trade Minister has already clarified immediate steps: we cannot let people go hungry or allow consumers to be exploited; measures are underway and will continue.

¶ 06 We promised and are delivering: a limited Cabinet capped at 25; today it is 24 ministries and 21 Cabinet Ministers. We are curbing corruption and waste systematically, and providing targeted relief to end poverty. We inherited a bankrupt State, an empty Treasury, and deep public trust deficits caused by those who even “cleaned” the Central Bank while looting national wealth. Yet we proceed with order and discipline.

¶ 07 On the hill country and plantation communities: we understand issues of land, housing, and wages. True Tamil leaders from these regions have now been sent to this Parliament by the people because we listened. We will resolve their longstanding problems systematically.

¶ 08 Our temporary Appropriation for four months will be presented, as the constitutional steps and election timelines did not permit a full-year budget. A full budget aligned to our policy vision, “A Prosperous Country and a Beautiful Life,” is being prepared with all ministries.

¶ 09 Education and vocational education are my responsibility. Disturbingly, Grade 1 intake has fallen from 323,337 in 2015 to 287,639—a drop of 35,698 over nine years—reflecting social and economic decline. We must reverse this. Another grave concern: about 30,000 children drop out after Grade 8 annually; many end up in prisons. In 2022, prisons held 30,311 inmates—64 percent below Grade 8, and 92 percent failed O/Ls. Poverty drives this, and the State must take responsibility. We will ensure that after nine years of schooling, every child proceeds on one of two pathways: general or vocational education—no child will be left behind.

¶ 10 In 2023, capital expenditure allocations were skewed: education Rs. 58 billion; higher education Rs. 25 billion; vocational education only Rs. 4.3 billion—despite vocational learners being nearly triple those in universities. This must change. We will mainstream vocational pathways and integrate these youths into the economy. Ending lower-secondary dropout is essential to reduce crime and build a good country. We stand ready for a major transformation.

¶ 11 Thank you.