The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, at no time did our Health Minister say that when medicines are unavailable in regional hospitals, people must buy them outside. As a responsible people’s Government, understanding citizens’ hardships, we have allocated funds and provided mechanisms for hospitals to obtain required medicines during shortages.

¶ 02 Those now lamenting health issues supported and protected in Parliament a former Minister who presided over distribution of substandard medicines; the public suffered. Such critics never trusted Sri Lanka’s health system for their own care and went abroad, to places like Mount Elizabeth in Singapore. Our Government is committed to making our health system the most trustworthy.

¶ 03 We recognize medicines are sensitive and linked to life. After economic collapse and currency depreciation, medicine prices rose and access was strained; some sought to profit even from rapid antigen tests. Our legislation seeks to act responsibly and never to bring laws that burden people. All our laws aim to enhance welfare and access.

¶ 04 As former Minister for National Integration, I also stress peace. We must not inflame divisions by religion or ethnicity. In past incidents like Aluthgama and Digana, some tried to divide people; as the National People’s Power we told the country “We are human.” We have defeated chauvinism; let us all build peace and development together.

¶ 05 These regulations under the NMRA Act will bring relief to Sri Lankans. Let us unite to make this a country where all can live with ease.

¶ 06 Thank you.