The Hon. Rohitha Abegunawardhana

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, let me first note that I was given two minutes by the Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan; I remind you of that. Thank you for the opportunity to address this Tenth Parliament.

¶ 02 On 21 September 2024, the people initiated a new political chapter, a new current, and a new political culture by electing Anura Kumara Dissanayake as President. We extend our good wishes to the President. Thereafter, Parliament was dissolved and on 14 November 2024, elections were held to constitute this Tenth Parliament.

¶ 03 A very clear mandate has been given — a strong Government with a two-thirds majority, with representation from every province, district, ethnicity, and religion. In that context, many senior political figures who had represented Parliament for 30 or 40 years have exited; some withdrew, others were removed by the people. As someone who represented Parliament continuously for 24 years — as MP, Minister, Deputy Minister, State Minister, member of the Opposition, and former COPA Chair — I am grateful to the people of Kalutara District for returning me again.

¶ 04 This public confidence in the current Government is significant, and it results in a lack of confidence in those who governed before. Winning a seat amid such headwinds is not easy. I faced challenges from Government, Opposition, my own camp, and the media. Despite obstacles and vilification, the people of Kalutara placed their trust in me; I am grateful. We will not harbour enmity towards those who criticized us — that is politics.

¶ 05 I also congratulate you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, and extend respect to the President, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and all Members. Many new Members have become Ministers; we all must learn from experience and work to take the country forward. The people have empowered this Government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to implement a new programme.

¶ 06 I commend the President. He delivered the Throne Speech without looking at notes — a good example. The people expect you to preserve their trust — a prosperous country, a renaissance. They await the Budget in March and how you will build that promised world.

¶ 07 Hon. Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, you have only one more minute.

¶ 08 It is now 12.27 p.m., and the Sitting will be suspended for lunch at 12.30 p.m. Rather than giving three minutes to someone else, I request those minutes for myself.

¶ 09 Let me remind you: your journey ahead will not be on velvet or roses. It is a difficult path with many obstacles. Compared to the 1950s–1970s, governing today is harder — partly due to pervasive media and communications. You cannot judge a Government in three months; you need a year or two. As a senior Opposition Member, I hope to play the role of a genuine Opposition — to support what is good for the country, and to frankly oppose what leads the country to misfortune. If you can build a prosperous country, one law for all, and equality, you will earn the trust of the majority who voted for you — but it will demand commitment and responsibility. We in the Opposition are ready to rethink our role and act differently. The question is whether the Government can fulfil public expectations across many sectors. We all, representing our districts and a unitary Sri Lanka, must lift the country to a better level. Where there are criticisms over 76 years, the new Government must provide answers, with strength, courage, and good fortune. I wish you all a good future.

¶ 10 Hon. Deputy Speaker: Order, please! The Sitting is suspended for lunch till 1.00 p.m. Sitting accordingly suspended till 1.00 p.m. and then resumed.