The Hon. Nanda Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, none of us in the National People’s Power represent this Parliament to pursue personal agendas. We represent the governing side to realize the aspirations of all Sri Lankans—Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay—living in this country. We are taking this Government forward with the objective of building a prosperous nation. Therefore, whatever the Opposition says does not concern us much. In this matter, as the NPP, all of us—MPs and Ministers—are ready, with strong collective discipline, to face everything resolutely.

¶ 02 Today we are debating a regulation and two regulations under two very important Acts: the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017 and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969. As we discuss two important themes under those Acts, we must note this: for over seven decades, from our school days through university and as the general public, we observed and studied parliamentary processes. Although Parliament was called supreme, what we actually saw was how successive green and blue governments abused it. We still see the same when we look at the Opposition. We are deeply disappointed at their conduct. Today, our NPP team in Parliament is a group that strongly loves this country, its people, and its resources.

¶ 03 They have driven our economy and political culture into a very bad, tragic state, and now they try to lecture and admonish us. We are very sorry about that. Our foremost challenge in rebuilding the country is to revive an economy that has been driven to the ground. We must take direct, correct decisions and protect and build our foreign reserves. As the NPP, we stand ready to carry out all necessary duties for that purpose.

¶ 04 We are advancing with a production-based economy to reduce import expenditure and increase export income. Hundreds and thousands of scholars and experts have voluntarily contributed. As the country stabilizes and the dollar reserves reach a certain level, the Opposition cannot bear it. In just three to four months, our reserves stabilized and increased after 76 years of rapid decline. When the country reaches a better level, the Opposition, unable to accept or understand it, resorts to falsehoods.

¶ 05 For five years, vehicle imports were completely halted. In such a context, the NPP Government, considering public transport needs and private needs, and the requirements for strengthening the economy, has now allowed vehicle imports under a proper framework. We have provided clear, transparent conditions to allow imports while protecting and building reserves. The dream of owning a vehicle should be attainable for all—working class, middle class, and upper class. We say that licensing, processing, and all other matters are done with transparency, not for private whims or needs.

¶ 06 Transport is essential to strengthen production. In public transport, rail is key. For 20–25 years, no government worked to modernize the railways. So, many necessary steps in goods and passenger transport were neglected. The Government is now intervening to strengthen rail and public transport. Tourism is rapidly growing because of political stability; Ministers no longer ask for commissions; MPs no longer take bribes. Visitors can now travel freely.