The Hon. Stepni Fernando

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, today is an unforgettable day in my life—my maiden speech in Parliament.

¶ 02 With the conviction to make this country a place where all can live happily, we engaged in politics for a long time, accepting victory and defeat alike despite all insults. We practiced policy-based politics, never selling our principles or seeking shortcuts, preserving them with our lives. After great sacrifices, the policies we put forward ultimately triumphed. That victory belongs not just to a party but to the millions who trusted our movement. First, let us see whom we defeated: a corrupt lineage that held power since Independence and drove the country into an abyss.

¶ 03 Yesterday we marked the 77th Independence Day. Last year, we marked it as a bankrupt nation that declared inability to pay debts. This year, we celebrate with the first rays of hope, pulling the country out of that precipice and entering a path of meaningful development. We must strive to achieve “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life.”

¶ 04 Today the Opposition is forced into petty battles. What they said then has been proven false. Those who predicted fuel queues now spread lies about commissions. Those who claimed an NPP Government would have no foreign relations are silent after the President’s successful visits to India and China. The lies spread through the media have fallen flat. Despite attempts to manufacture news about rice shortages, the women going to the shops know better. Only reasoned criticism can take root; false attacks end as mere whining. We sympathize with those Members.

¶ 05 The measures taken by our Government to strengthen the economy are commendable. Those who said the NPP could not manage the economy now acknowledge our progress. More will recognize this in the future. We invite those who previously rejected us to join hands.

¶ 06 Our Budget will soon be presented, laying the foundation to move the economy towards stabilization. For example, through changes we propose in public transport, we will change public attitudes. This Budget will push the economy towards production. The business community is eager to see what facilitation will be provided. I will reserve further details for Budget Day.

¶ 07 We will present a Budget that pleases not just the business community but the people as a whole. Many of the Opposition’s battle cries will be negated.

¶ 08 Tourism has reached a highly developed level; foreign exchange inflows are increasing daily; reserves are growing rapidly. We should be happy. We must further increase tourist arrivals and facilities, developing new tourist zones.

¶ 09 In my electorate of Ja-Ela, rich in natural beauty, we have already laid the foundation with the Urban Development Authority to protect the endangered Muthurajawela ecosystem and develop it as a tourist attraction, generating direct and indirect jobs and new economic opportunities, extending development beyond the urban areas to the villages.

¶ 10 Many powerful politicians, including Speakers, represented our seat previously, but they caused destruction, such as resettling people in low-lying areas for votes, subjecting them to constant flooding. We must find durable solutions so people can live dignified lives. We will do so quickly, ensuring public safety. Thank you.