The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, before addressing today’s Orders and Regulations, I must speak about a matter that has stirred society: the ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks. Yesterday, around a dozen sought to whip up agitation at the Fort Railway Station, but public participation and reaction showed it was an unsuccessful attempt by a rejected, bankrupt group.

¶ 02 We came to power in 2024 with a massive popular mandate to deliver justice, equality and fairness. We pledged to uphold the public trust and bring justice against great crimes long buried by political hands. We did not enter deals to cover up each other’s wrongdoings. Instead, we established and empowered independent institutions: the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, an independent Police, the Criminal Investigation Department, and independent courts. They are now functioning fairly, and crimes once thought lost to the sands of time are coming to light.

¶ 03 Some now hold Bodhi Pujas for murderers. What would the souls of the innocent victims feel? Those aiding murderers cannot escape their conscience. The fear seen on certain rejected politicians’ faces betrays their knowledge that justice is coming. Our duty is to deliver justice, including for the Easter attacks and many other grave crimes.

¶ 04 Turning to today’s items: the Orders under the Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act, Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, Excise (Special Provisions) Act of 1989, and the VAT Act. I highlight the Stamp Duty Order under Act No. 12 of 2006, which exempts the Rs. 25 stamp duty on receipts issued for Government payments to those affected by natural disasters.

¶ 05 You know the immense damage from Cyclone “Ditti.” The World Bank estimated physical damage at USD 4.1 billion, about four per cent of GDP, in addition to heavy psychological loss and lives lost. The Government has provided around Rs. 500 billion in relief to restore lives, and this stamp duty exemption supports efficient disbursement.

¶ 06 As of the latest update: - The Rs. 25,000 grant: 99.8 per cent paid. - The Rs. 50,000 grant: 99.94 per cent paid. - Three months’ rent for those whose houses were destroyed: 66.47 per cent paid; extended to six months, of which 65.43 per cent is paid. - The Rs. 15,000 grant for schoolbooks to affected students: 99.8 per cent paid. - The Rs. 1 million compensation for deaths: 92.39 per cent paid.

¶ 07 Some payments continue due to practical reasons and documentation delays. While we work to rebuild lives materially, we reaffirm that delivering justice remains our foremost priority.

¶ 08 Thank you.