The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I second the Adjournment Motion moved by the Hon. Asitha.

¶ 02 Today we debate the Clean Sri Lanka programme, which in recent days has become a widely discussed topic in the media and among the people.

¶ 03 We all know the expectation of the Clean Sri Lanka programme is to bequeath to everyone a prosperous country and a beautiful life. Some media institutions and certain bankrupt political leaders and their followers tried to belittle this programme—seizing on petty angles as they have always done in politics. They tried to reduce Clean Sri Lanka to the removal of decorative parts from three-wheelers or buses. But after 76 years of economic bankruptcy and social decay, this programme is a key step towards changing course and laying the foundation to bring our people to a better life.

¶ 04 When public debate grew, I saw a succinct note on social media: “When a cultured society begins to emerge, those who entrenched themselves in an uncultured society get most agitated.” Regardless of race, caste, party or creed, everyone’s aspiration is an ethical, cultured, law-abiding society. Those who built and profited from an uncultured society will naturally resist a cultured one; that is why they tried to push this programme aside.

¶ 05 Clean Sri Lanka is built on a sustainable framework, aiming not for superficial changes but for generational transformation—ultimately, a change across humanity. Some even debated the word “clean” itself. In our country of great religions, the historical mission of spiritual teachers was to cleanse society. They laboured for society’s purity. Through this programme, multiple sectors must be placed on a new, correct path.

¶ 06 Some ask what we have done in this short time in power. While detractors may not understand, those who trusted us with their votes have not been betrayed. We continue to work to justify that trust.

¶ 07 Recently, some cried that we are preparing to suppress the media. They forget who presided over the murders and assaults of journalists, arson attacks on media houses, and bombings around 2008. Those lamenting today have forgotten those facts.

¶ 08 Clean Sri Lanka is not against any citizen. It is for everyone. Therefore no one should panic. We remember the sacrifices of three-wheeler drivers, bus drivers, conductors and others who supported the NPP’s victory. Our government is not anti-people, nor against any sector; it is a government that unites all the people. No one should be alarmed by this programme.

¶ 09 Historically, some won elections by sowing suspicion and distrust. We, however, built trust among the people, strengthening human bonds. As the saying goes, “Humanity is like a single person; when one part hurts, the whole body feels pain.” Likewise, we cannot push any community aside and claim to uplift the nation. This programme brings everyone together. Since taking office, we have granted maximum reliefs in various sectors and will continue to do so.

¶ 10 Why do we need a clean Sri Lanka? Because socially, environmentally, and morally we have fallen. We have inherited a society lacking compassion, mutual respect, and care for the environment. This must change. As the Prophet said, “There is a piece of flesh; if it is pure, the whole life and environment become pure; if impure, the whole becomes impure.”

¶ 11 Clean Sri Lanka must not be reduced to removing bus or three-wheeler trimmings. It is an exercise to transform individuals, families, institutions, and the entire nation. Everyone, government and opposition alike, wants to move to a purified place. If we desire a “prosperous country – beautiful life,” our foremost duty as Sri Lankans is to clean the country—across every sector. Let us use this golden opportunity, beyond race, caste, religion, language, or politics, to take the country to the right place and secure that beautiful life for all who suffer. With that invitation, I conclude. Thank you.