The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, today is a historic day in our Parliament. In line with our National People’s Power policy “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” we are using Parliament’s powers to remove one of the most corrupt state officers.

¶ 02 While we debate removing Deshbandu Tennakoon, some try to drag in other matters—saying “this is good, but you should also do that.” We are proceeding step by step; you will see each matter addressed in turn.

¶ 03 The Leader of the Opposition said he would table documents—I tried multiple times to obtain them, but have not yet received them; I will review them when available.

¶ 04 There was also talk that we are capturing power in village associations for some agenda. To those making such narrow political claims, I say: these associations were not formed on the roadside; this began in 1979, with government officers—Grama Niladhari and Divisional Secretaries—fully aware and involved. In earlier times, only a few small clubs existed. We do not belittle the youth who worked then. But our aim is to bring the skilled youth of the village into this process. To do that, we must expand. We have organized this program accordingly. For the first time in Sri Lanka, we have formed over 12,700 youth clubs—about 91 percent coverage. After forming them, officials are appointed. Those six officials then constitute the Divisional Council. Only those grassroots officials can contest there—not someone from a party office or the street. Read the framework. By their consent, the Divisional Council appoints its executive six, who then form the District Council. Only they can vote—no outsiders.

¶ 05 What is the fuss? In a few districts I saw that some Tamil political party leaders even joined us. Now, democratically, two or three names may be proposed and a vote held. That is correct. It is not a show of hands in temples or schools; it is by secret ballot with ballot boxes and papers. Someone wins and the other loses—then they shake hands and work together. That is the culture. But some party candidates lost those votes. Is that our problem? No. After losing, they run media channels saying there is internal conflict. There isn’t. You cried even at local authority elections—this is a habit. If you lose, go and win the next time. There is no other problem.

¶ 06 We are restructuring since 2020; should it not be done? It should. Since 1993, there has been no National Youth Convention. On International Youth Day, youths from across the country came to Sugathadasa. After 32 years, we held a Youth Convention to present a cadre of youth leaders. That is not merely an NPP matter; it is Government policy. Previous leaders did not do so—they had no need to make the intelligent children of ordinary families national leaders; they wanted only their sons, daughters and relatives. Now they are afraid because village youth are getting opportunities. We are expanding opportunities, and if any youth has concerns, we are ready to discuss at any time. But if some, within parties or factions, try to hijack this for narrow politics, we will democratically defeat them.

¶ 07 They accuse us of politicizing the National Youth Services Council (NYSC). Let me give facts. In 2009, the NYSC was used to craft cut-outs and run a campaign for Mahinda Rajapaksa and the SLFP’s “hand” symbol. From 2010–2014, a “Blue Force” was created during elections; the leftover Blue Force t-shirts are still at the NYSC’s Batangala Farm. The NYSC was used to form a party youth movement and promote a leader. They even issued circulars making SLFP organizers mandatory attendees at NYSC regional programs. In 2020, Government funds were used to run “Talk with Namal.” Those very people now lecture us. They even used NYSC resources to transport staff for the protest against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake’s removal. In 2024, “Youth Summit” was run to promote President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s political project. These are on record, including in COPE.

¶ 08 Today, some opposition parties are trying to corral rising youth leadership into their narrow political cages. But this NPP Government is built on the strength and talent of our youth; we will steadfastly advance to bring the most capable generation forward.

¶ 09 Thank you for the time.