Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, we are meeting on a special sitting at the Prime Minister’s request amid multiple domestic and external crises. We expected to hear clear Government plans for 2026–2030, but Government speakers mostly attacked the Opposition.

¶ 02 When the country went bankrupt, those then in Government decided to proceed with IMF conditions to restore stability. Now the ship is on a narrow bridge—there is no room to turn back. The helm is with the President, but the engine appears to be with the Finance Ministry’s Secretary. With a new Secretary appointed, both helm and engine must work in sync; otherwise, we risk another economic calamity.

¶ 03 As a progressive Opposition, we want the journey to succeed. Yet external shocks—wars, oil prices, market closures—can derail us. The Middle East conflict affects our tea exports and migrant workers. If conflict escalates, up to 60 percent of our tea exports could be impacted, based on industry data. We asked for even ninety seconds in the House to seek the Government’s contingency plans; it was denied, and 20 MPs had to stand to press for answers.

¶ 04 Statecraft and diplomacy are vital, including securing alternative markets and seeking reductions in punitive tariff measures imposed by the US. The President previously said a joint statement with another country would be issued; we have yet to see an official release. Public expectations are high; you won overwhelming mandates, but within months suffered significant electoral setbacks—losing some 2.3 million votes. Confidence has eroded quickly.

¶ 05 You promised to cut electricity tariffs by 33 percent; instead, they were raised again by 15 percent. Prices of rice and coconuts hit historic highs after the Government took office. Projects like “Clean Sri Lanka” and the “Monkey Census” launched with fanfare have yielded no visible outcomes. Apparel factories struggle to pay wages; some have closed. In the Budget, Agriculture was low in the allocations’ priority despite 24 percent of households facing food insecurity per WFP’s 2023 assessment, with women-headed and estate-sector households particularly vulnerable. Food security must be treated as a priority.

¶ 06 The next six months may be even more challenging. Proceed with the IMF path while providing relief, strengthening the economy, and navigating the remaining stretch of the narrow bridge with care. We—and the public—are watching closely.