The Hon. Dewananda Suraweera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the National People’s Power Government has taken over the task of leading the country forward over the next five years. The dark period that elapsed committed great crimes against our society, environment, and spirituality, driving the country toward a collapse of ethics. The NPP assumed office on September 21 and November 14 to halt that destructive march.

¶ 02 We had a clear vision for how to govern as a nation and uplift the country. We have discussed the Clean Sri Lanka programme—planned as a five-year initiative—throughout today. Yet, unfortunately, the Opposition seems unable to grasp it, even though our aim is to build a disciplined society. Those now in Opposition led the country toward moral decay. The harm done to our people, environment, and human relations is immense. To those who do not understand, we patiently explain the Clean Sri Lanka programme; still, they fail to comprehend and raise various distortions and falsehoods against the NPP.

¶ 03 The NPP has always provided an example and a superior standard—before and after assuming power—unlike the forces that destroyed this country for 76 years. They now point fingers because they realize Sri Lanka is moving toward a disciplined society. As the saying goes, when a giant rises, the little ones tremble. Those who ruined the country and turned it into a festering wound are now shouting like lamps with spent oil. That is the truth here, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 04 We have a centralized plan for rebuilding the country. Clean Sri Lanka encompasses both physical and spiritual development. The damage done to the people’s spirituality and to the environment and health went beyond measure. When we bring proposals to rebuild, instead of helping, the Opposition flails in panic, throwing around baseless allegations. From the President’s inauguration to today, we have taken steps to change this country’s corrupt political culture.

¶ 05 First, the current President took oaths without lavish ceremonies or massive expense—simply. Our 159 MPs also took oaths without wasting public funds. Likewise with Clean Sri Lanka: despite our repeated clarifications, mud is being thrown. It is alleged Rs. 7 million was spent on the launch ceremony. Who said this? State Minister Chamara Sampath. He challenged that if it wasn’t so, he would resign his MP seat. The Government has since said only Rs. 900,000 was spent. If so, he should resign. If he is an ethical MP, he should step down.

¶ 06 We have a great deal to do under Clean Sri Lanka. This is a devastated country, people turned against each other, Parliament filled with accusations about crimes of the past. Those now lecturing us in the Opposition have much to answer for. Under Clean Sri Lanka, we aim to stop crimes against the people—such as importing antigen kits for personal gain and selling them at inflated prices. That mentality must change if we are to be “clean.” Selling goods at high prices after procuring cheaply is not “clean.”

¶ 07 We also face a severe narcotics threat—affecting youth, adults, and schoolchildren—because of profit. There is a powerful cartel behind it. We must clean that up. Those who poisoned food for profit, or pushed drugs to youth, some of whom still sit in Parliament, must be held to account. Our aim is to make Sri Lanka a developed nation and a regional leader. Clean Sri Lanka is not a one-day or one-year effort; it is a long-term, step-by-step rebuilding of a ruined nation and a reorientation of corrupted minds.

¶ 08 To the Opposition and those who are agitated by the success of this programme, wriggle as much as you like—

¶ 09 [Expunged on the order of the Chair.]

¶ 10 [Expunged on the order of the Chair.]

¶ 11 We are ready to continue this journey. As Winston Churchill said, when we set out on a journey, dogs will bark; that is their nature. We need not throw stones at every barking dog—but we do know which barks must be dealt with, Hon. Member. Let them fling mud; as the saying goes, the fragrance of sandalwood spreads when cut. Despite mud and insults, we will take Sri Lanka toward a disciplined society, winning the trust of our people and the international community. We will not turn back. Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member, for the opportunity.