The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity. As I address this House for the first time in the 10th Parliament, I extend best wishes to the Hon. Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and all Members of this newly elected Government.

¶ 02 I thank the people of Gampaha District for electing me for a third term, and for giving our party leader, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, the second‑highest preference share in the district.

¶ 03 It has been only a short time since this Government assumed office. The President, in addressing the nation, said the people’s mandate transcended the traditional rotation of power and signaled a great change. However, I must recall that since 1994, the JVP has, directly or indirectly, provided pivotal support to many governments—helping to form them and sharing in their outcomes, both good and bad.

¶ 04 Now, in these first weeks, we are facing a natural disaster—floods that have claimed lives and destroyed property and farmlands. In past crises, political leadership mobilized the state response effectively through coordination committees and the like. This time, however, state machinery has lacked the necessary political direction and urgency; officials privately say they have not received the leadership and instructions needed. Compensation for crop losses remains unresolved. I recall how the JVP—particularly Namal Karunaratne—stood up for farmers in every disaster, even taking to the streets. Today, as a State Minister, he cannot take to the streets, but within Government he must urgently deliver relief to farmers.

¶ 05 As of now, even with money, rice is hard to find in the market. We heard strong rhetoric before about large‑scale rice hoarders. We expected this Government to convene them immediately and resolve the shortage. Months have passed and the rice is still “missing.” One cannot hide shiploads of rice under a cot. If large hoarders hold stocks, why have they not been brought to compliance?

¶ 06 I must also raise the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Those who opposed its abuse are now resorting to the same law to remand some individuals. We protested with you against this; you promised reform, yet changes have not materialized.

¶ 07 Our President, while in Opposition, said reducing fuel prices by Rs. 50 was no problem—“done in a single pen stroke.” Months later, we are still waiting. Meanwhile, the price formula you decried is being used to reduce petrol by Rs. 2 today and raise diesel by Rs. 3 tomorrow. People voted for real relief, not tokenism. You also said ministers take commissions from pricing; if prices are still high, is it for the same reason? Please implement what you promised. We will allow reasonable time, but if delivery does not follow, we in the Opposition will take necessary decisions. Thank you.