The Hon. (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana - Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, regulations published in the Extraordinary Gazette of 2024-12-19 under the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017, and two regulations under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969 relating to the import of rice and vehicles, are presented for Parliamentary approval. I thank you for the opportunity to join this debate.

¶ 02 Yesterday marked 77 years since 1948, when we gained political authority to make decisions for our Motherland. While we feel pride, we must also ask whether we truly gained freedom in 1948. In 1972, we became a republic, moving to build a production economy with assistance inspired by socialist policies. But in 1977, with economic reforms, the production economy began to collapse; many State enterprises were privatized; political, social, and cultural values eroded. Now we have been given a mandate to restore the country’s dignity and achieve genuine economic, social, and cultural freedom.

¶ 03 We assumed responsibility for a bankrupt country. As we return it to normalcy, these regulations are necessary. We must protect foreign reserves and act prudently. Therefore, vehicle imports will proceed under limits.

¶ 04 As a Government placing weight on tourism, we will first facilitate the import of vehicles needed for tourism. Simultaneously, we are addressing public transport: improving roads, resolving issues in rail, and enabling imports of buses needed for public transport. We have relaxed restrictions under the 1969 Act accordingly.

¶ 05 I must emphasize accessible transport for persons with disabilities. We have policy commitments to ensure barrier-free access and equal opportunity. Decisions have been taken to import buses suitable for persons with disabilities. While protecting reserves, in the second phase we will allow vehicles for goods transport and commerce; in the third phase, for private use. Stabilizing and strengthening the economy and avoiding relapse into crisis, we will phase in vehicle imports.

¶ 06 Since fuel imports are our largest foreign exchange outflow, we must manage reserves to avoid queues. History shows that poor reserve management led to crisis and default. Instead of spending large sums on luxury vehicles for politicians, we will prioritize public transport.

¶ 07 With limited time, let me conclude: with a popular mandate, we bear great responsibility. With collective responsibility, determination, and timely decisions, we will build a country with true economic, social, and cultural freedom. Let us unite as children of Mother Sri Lanka to build a proud Sri Lankan nation. Thank you.