The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha

¶ 01 Mr. Chairman, I move:

¶ 02 “That under the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill 2026, on today, Tuesday, 18.11.2025, from the Expenditure Heads 103, 222 to 224, 304, 320, 325, 189, 225 and 226 relating to the aforesaid Ministries, all Recurrent and Capital Expenditure under each Programme be reduced by Rs. 10, in keeping with tradition.”

¶ 03 Mr. Chairman, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak under very important Expenditure Heads, especially the Ministry of Defence, which is crucial to our country. When we speak of national security, we must also recall its impact on the economy. This Government, however, does not seem to appreciate how vital national security is to the economy; it is, in our view, wading in shallow waters on this matter, setting aside national security in pursuit of election promises.

¶ 04 We are a nation that emerged from a 30‑year war—not just the Sinhalese, but all communities: Tamils, Muslims, and all faiths. Yet we cannot say the war will never recur; conflict could arise at any time. Therefore, we must pay strict attention. Geographically, Elephant Pass in Jaffna is like our neck—vital for the flow of lifeblood and the nervous system. Similarly, Pooneryn and, on the other side, Mullaitivu are like our shoulders.

¶ 05 Thus, in these decisive locations, how should we act on national security? In the North? In the East? And also in Colombo and elsewhere. There is a serious land issue in the North—as you know, Hon. Minister. Decisions on land must prioritize national security over personal security. Where lands are located at strategic defence points, instead of returning such lands, alternative lands or compensation can be provided. Therefore, lands vital for national security should remain with the State/Armed Forces in the national interest.