The Hon. Suranga Rathnayaka

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the people brought to power, about 120 days ago, a JVP President and a “Malimawa” Government for a transformative change. At the four-month mark, when we should review progress, we hold a debate on Clean Sri Lanka.

¶ 02 On January 1, the President launched Clean Sri Lanka with media present. Comparing that launch with the situation today is disappointing. If this is to succeed, as an Opposition MP I offer proposals the Government should seriously consider.

¶ 03 Public awareness is critical. The Government has performed poorly in building awareness—both among the public and within its own Cabinet and parliamentary group. Some Ministers think Clean Sri Lanka means wading into tanks to pull algae, or cleaning drains and canals. Police seem to think it means removing cosmetic parts from buses and three-wheelers or chasing away poor street vendors. There is a gap in understanding. Please, urgently and properly communicate the programme’s scope to society and within Government.

¶ 04 Also, success requires developing basic infrastructure—proper waste collection and disposal, and converting solid waste to energy where feasible. Strengthen sanitary facilities for tourists, a key income source now.

¶ 05 In our remote villages, our children lack sanitary facilities. Clean Sri Lanka must address those needs as well.