The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak briefly on Clean Sri Lanka.

¶ 02 I must note—though the Hon. Prime Minister commented otherwise—that those who offer criticism are not enemies of the country or wishing failure. We too can offer positive views and constructive criticism; that is our right.

¶ 03 Some say even the name and model are imported or copied—from “Keep Singapore Clean,” India’s “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” “Keep America Beautiful,” Germany’s “Green Dot,” or “Clean Up Australia.” Even if so, names do not matter; what matters is good implementation. If the work is done right, all Sri Lankans will be happy.

¶ 04 A previous speaker insisted there is a strong framework and plan, but it does not appear so to us. Notably, there is no time frame. A member of the Presidential Task Force, Mr. Chaminda Jayasuriya, said on TV that even for the proposed public toilet system they cannot give a timeline. This looks hastily brought in. If this is to succeed, fix these gaps. Do not give the impression of a rush.

¶ 05 Frankly, in two months this is the only clear “project” the Government has put forward—the earlier “project” was blaming 76 years of prior governments, with no end-date. We welcome bringing in a project; our duty is to point out shortcomings and propose fixes.

¶ 06 In the Throne Speech, the President said this is their programme—but it seems to reside mainly in his head. Others speak inconsistently. In January, a Deputy Minister waded into a tank, pulled out invasive plants, and claimed it was under Clean Sri Lanka—while later we were told January was only for awareness and implementation would start in February. After a question by MP Bus Gemunu, that narrative emerged: “Wait for February.”

¶ 07 On the Task Force composition: it includes Tri-Forces Commanders and various activists. We are told 158 or 159 people are “volunteers.” On 8 January, a Government MP said, “159 are working voluntarily; not taking salaries like you; we won’t let you topple this Government.” I want clarity: what does “volunteer” mean here? Is it genuine volunteering without any payment or is it some redirected remuneration? If genuinely unpaid, that too is concerning for a national programme; people’s time, money and labour must be protected with proper allowances and accountability. Also, if any public money is spent, it must go through the Treasury; otherwise it is not “voluntary.”

¶ 08 If we are to “clean,” we must begin within—clean your party, leaders and operatives first. On the former Speaker’s issue: in a previous era, such an incident would have led to street agitation and the MP’s resignation. Today, he sits comfortably. If you came to change political culture, set a new standard—resign the parliamentary seat too, not just the Speakership.

¶ 09 Finally, the President rightly said Clean Sri Lanka requires citizen participation; Government alone cannot do it. The people have shown their will at the ballot and in behaviour. Honour that change in political culture within your party as well. One of the fourth objectives the Prime Minister cited was “to create a smiling people”—I think within two months, given current policy pronouncements, many are already smiling. Thank you.