The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, today we debate a rule under the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017, and several regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969, seeking Parliament’s approval. Yesterday our country completed 77 years of Independence. There is a link between that discussion of Independence and these import-export regulations.

¶ 02 Before I begin, I must touch on the recent port matter much spoken of today. The Opposition says different, contradictory things—at one time claiming the Western Province Governor intervened to release containers; at another, that a trade union did it; then that it was a JVP union. Yet, the same union has spoken against the Governor. Please stick to one story.

¶ 03 They also repeatedly said the “coconut oil mafia” and “medicine mafia” were not dismantled. But those mafias were created under your watch and you profited with them. Do not point fingers now; we are stopping mafias.

¶ 04 Citing Harold Laski, after a nation wins freedom, if it does not strive to sustain it, that freedom becomes futile. Instead of thinking of the people, past leaders built their own and their families’ wealth. That politics is over; a new people’s governance is in place.

¶ 05 When deciding to control imports and exports, we consider long-term stability and current public needs, not ad hoc decisions. I particularly look at five factors: - The level of foreign reserves - Food security - Internal and external security - Environmental security - Human capital development such as education and health

¶ 06 Opposition hopes for a minor technical slip to drag us down; they know our policy is sound.

¶ 07 This country, delivered to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, had defaulted and was discredited. I also raise a grievous incident: in Ginigathhena Police area, three were killed; among them, a person with political connections who allegedly collected large sums from youth promising foreign jobs under a former Minister. I urge the Minister in charge of Police to investigate and reveal the truth, particularly when that former Minister’s party now seeks alliances.

¶ 08 We have carefully managed reserves, minimizing waste and corruption, increasing them to USD 6.1 billion. To preserve and grow them, we have permitted vehicle imports that strengthen tourism, public transport, and goods transport. We are not afraid of this measured approach.

¶ 09 After many years, we made a policy decision to resume vehicle imports, making people and markets happy—hence the Opposition’s wailing. The second pillar of stability is food security. The previous Government discouraged farmers and imported potatoes and onions at harvest time, destroying livelihoods. Those Ministers now in Opposition have no right to question us.

¶ 10 Tea too suffered, with factories closing and plant density declining drastically. After electricity tariff reductions, there is some optimism. Yet exports fell; we must rebuild.

¶ 11 On national security and trust, ordinary people still see former rulers enjoying 30,000 sq. ft. houses while school halls in villages are 1,600 sq. ft. Is there no shame? If so, return those privileges. The main Opposition seems comfortable with such perks; be honest with the people.

¶ 12 Former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a scientist who developed the Agni missile, died owning two suits and many books.

¶ 13 “Even a small splinter can help pick a tooth,” says a Tamil proverb: nothing is useless; everyone and every community matters. Let us unite to build the motherland and national economy. Thank you.