The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. We debate the Clean Sri Lanka National Programme launched by our Government. Many views were presented from both sides; I regret the Opposition benches are now empty when answers are being given.

¶ 02 The Opposition mostly saw only shortcomings; a few positive views were expressed, which we welcome. One MP kept referring to “your estate people, your Colombo estate people”—revealing how the suffering people they failed to see all these years are now seen as “our Government’s people.” Yes, they are our people—that is why we launched Clean Sri Lanka and many other programmes. These people did not suffer by accident; they were made to suffer. We take responsibility for them and will lift them up through this programme.

¶ 03 Some said this national programme has no basis, purpose or vision. As Hon. Minister Saroja Paulraj said, this was not born yesterday. We developed the idea, vision and plan years ago, with a proper situational analysis. Our vision is “A Beautiful Island – A Happy People.” Our mission is to elevate Sri Lanka through social, ethical and environmental fundamentals with national-level commitment. Had they studied, they would grasp the vision, activities and ground implantation plan.

¶ 04 They also say there is no financing plan. For a national programme comprising hundreds or thousands of projects and hundreds of thousands of activities, you cannot present a full financing matrix at the introductory stage. We have indicated funding will come through Budget allocations and donations; more details will follow. We proceed on three pillars—social, ethical and environmental. People across the island are already engaging; we will not break civil initiatives that align with making the country cleaner and better; we appreciate them and invite all to study the framework and understand its heartbeat. Let us implement it. As Lao Tzu said: “Start with what they know; build with what they have.” We will apply what we have to build a beautiful island and a beautiful life for our people. Thank you.