The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we debate the Votes of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and of Justice and National Integration. I especially wish to discuss national integration—it is timely and essential. We all know the losses caused by the war: estimates exceed US$ 90 billion, not counting social and human costs.

¶ 02 If one truly loves this country, one would not exploit sensitive moments of national disharmony merely to secure a “voice cut” on their media. Our foremost identity is our shared humanity. We must not stoke hatred and nationwide unrest from small incidents. As people’s representatives, our duty is to calm tensions, not aggravate them.

¶ 03 Some who often preach about building an entrepreneurial State lacked any sense of national cohesion; their only motive is profit. They did it then and do so now—the country’s fate matters little to them.

¶ 04 Sri Lankan representation overseas and sentiment for the country have grown; even during COVID, remittances helped our people. To move forward, peace is indispensable. After the war, to prevent recurrence, we introduced mechanisms for reconciliation: the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, Office on Missing Persons, Office for Reparations, and others—to restore peace so all can live contentedly.

¶ 05 We discussed 2018 as a peak for tourist arrivals. In 2019, numbers fell due to Easter attacks—a blow from the breakdown of peace. As we rebuild a bankrupt country, we must be more sensitive and honest. Tourism brings foreign exchange; before 2019, over 71,000 arrivals came from the Middle East alone; then the sector collapsed. Since taking office, we have sincerely worked to restore peace and have not nourished national chauvinism. We will continue this.

¶ 06 We have concluded over 70 agreements with other countries, and formed partnerships with non-traditional economic and development partners. Recently, at the Saudi Chamber Summit, our Trade Minister signed an MoU. We strive to expand ties and attract investment.

¶ 07 Finally, I note: the Opposition Leader’s office prepared a program for the 2026 Budget Committee Stage, yet the Leader himself seems unaware what Votes we debate today. In a Votes debate, raise shortcomings and offer proposals. Let us take the country forward together. Thank you for the opportunity.