The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, while we discuss these Orders and Regulations, I must stress that people are struggling. The economy is in a very difficult state. Fuel prices keep rising, and with each hike, all goods become costlier. Taxes pile on top of that, including taxes upon taxes. Electricity and water bills have also increased. The public elected a new Government on 21 September 2024 expecting reductions in fuel and electricity prices, VAT on school supplies, and the cost of living. If prices are higher than before and life is harder, people will take to the streets — and that is happening.

¶ 02 Amidst all this, people have reduced meals; weights are dropping not by choice but by compulsion. Businesses are collapsing due to high fuel costs. Tourism enterprises in villages are struggling to even pay monthly loans; air-conditioning is off; opportunities for local youth are shrinking. Fisheries and agriculture also suffer.

¶ 03 There was talk of large balances in the Treasury, but we heard of a USD 2.5 million loss through “hackers” and then silence. A Treasury official took his life; the matter was closed. If there is money, use it to help people live and to keep businesses afloat. No Government survives by crushing the people and business community.

¶ 04 The IMF wants reserves of USD 11 billion by December while we have around USD 6.5 billion, meaning we need USD 5 billion more. Fuel import costs are soaring; medicines must be imported; and about USD 4 billion falls due in 2027. What is the plan when the IMF support ends? Also, after Cyclone Ditta, despite promises of large grants and loans, many are still in temporary shelters. Please prioritize real relief and housing reconstruction.

¶ 05 Thank you for the time, Hon. Deputy Speaker.