The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. The House again discussed Customs. Hon. Namal Rajapaksa too spoke—about containers. That issue has now been resolved.

¶ 02 Yesterday’s media reported: “Port congestion over: container clearance now normal, says Customs Officers’ Union President.” The Union President, Amila Sanjeewa, said that with all agencies working together, congestion was cleared; about 35% of containers are examined, while 65% are released without inspection—no country checks 100%.

¶ 03 The Director General of Customs has also clarified procedures: under eight selected risk criteria, examinations are done—sometimes full physical checks, sometimes partial, sometimes data-based system checks.

¶ 04 As for the Western Province Governor being linked, the Director General P.B.S.C. Nonis stated that among those containers there were none under “Expo Lanka” and no possibility of arms, gold, waste, narcotics or revenue loss.

¶ 05 If anyone has an issue with a particular container, there are lawful agencies to complain to, rather than using it for political mudslinging. The problem was lack of space; we have taken two acres in Bloemendhal and another five in Peliyagoda to ease yards. You cannot build a new yard overnight, but the problem has been addressed swiftly.

¶ 06 On vehicles: since 2019, due to reserve constraints under the then Government, imports were halted. Now, with improved export earnings, tourism inflows, and export sector growth, reserves have stabilized, allowing phased relaxation.

¶ 07 This pause also nurtured domestic assembly: two- and three-wheelers, body parts, adding 40–70% local value and labour. Today we even produce electric vehicles competitive for export. Opening imports to meet needs must be balanced with protecting domestic industry and reserves. Hence, a three-stage approach: first passenger transport, then goods transport, then private-use vehicles. To prevent forex idling, vehicles must be registered within three months or face a penalty—reasonable given these are scarce foreign exchange funds earned by tourism, migrant workers, exporters, and industrialists.

¶ 08 On tourism and night music: the restriction is pursuant to a Supreme Court judgment—weekdays up to 11 p.m., weekends up to midnight, and noise under 35 dB. Those wanting later shows can do so indoors with soundproofing or on suitable grounds. Tourism is broader than all-night parties; residents and students in areas like Arugam Bay, Hiriketiya, and Mirissa also have rights. The law applies fairly; those used to political protection now feel the pinch.

¶ 09 On rice: opposition once made noise over chillies; now rice. We set guaranteed prices—Nadu at Rs. 120, Samba at Rs. 125, Keeri Samba at Rs. 132—timed correctly as Maha cutting progresses. If market prices exceed these, farmers can obtain more; the guarantee protects both farmers and consumers. We have dismantled monopolies in the rice market, though some faced pain; society bore it for the broader good.

¶ 10 If the previous rulers had done these right—guaranteed prices, tourism management, vehicles policy, dollar earnings, rule of law, and Customs integrity—the country would not have gone bankrupt. We will rebuild the economy, enforce the law, and hold to account those who looted public wealth. Thank you.