The Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera

¶ 01 I explained this clearly. Regarding the incident involving the Vice-Chancellor of Peradeniya University, the Hon. Prime Minister clearly explained it this morning—the Government’s position and the Education Ministry’s position. We spoke about it. We have struggled within student movements and upheld free expression. Therefore, Hon. Member, do not ridicule and create nonexistent issues in the country. We know the rights within student movements, what should be said, and the freedoms to be ensured. The present Government—the National People’s Power Government—will continue to affirm those rights and provide the maximum possible space.

¶ 02 As I said earlier, this morning too something similar happened. I represent Kegalle District. A person who long held ministerial office representing Kegalle spoke earlier and levelled heavy criticism at the NPP while praising the supposed quality of “good governance.” During his time as a Minister and representative, look at where Kegalle and the country were left. From the day we came to Parliament—after many days of silence—our Minister of Trade and other Ministers have clearly explained the issues of rice and coconut prices, yet they keep asking again and again.

¶ 03 Recently, for 2025, we prepared a plan for Kegalle District using available data. There are 9,100 hectares of paddy fields; only 5,000–6,000 hectares have been cultivated for years, leaving over 3,000 hectares fallow and turned into jungle for a decade or more. If we do not cultivate these fields and develop these estates, how will we give rice to eat? Go and see Deraniyagala—an estate of about 200 acres abandoned for years, once rich with coconuts, now a forest. We, as a Government, are ready to restore these fallow paddy lands and develop the estates. There are also about 1,500 acres of abandoned cinnamon in Kegalle, now turned into jungle. Yet the former Minister from Kegalle comes here telling grand tales that under good governance the country was self-sufficient and everything was beautiful. We invite him to go and see his electorate—Mawanella town needs a proper bus stand; under our 2025 programme, urban planning including the Mawanella bus stand will be prioritized, in his own electorate.

¶ 04 Also, estate people form a large population in that district. For four years they have lived in tents. Around 65,000 Tamil-speaking people live there. He served as Education Minister—did he establish even one National School in Kegalle District? Not in Kegalle, not even in the whole Sabaragamuwa Province is there a single National School. Now they talk about rice. The majority in the district eat two meals a day; living in 10x10 rooms. Before talking about rice and coconuts, go see them. Did you make a plan to ensure they can afford three meals? When coconuts were scarce previously, they planted thorny palms, brought environmentally destructive projects—reservoirs, mini-hydro—destroying the environment. Many estate lands are now desolate. As the NPP, accountable to the nation, we have planned to cultivate those lands, develop those areas, uplift lives, and ensure quality education for children. Thank you.