The Hon. Aravinda Senarath

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, as much as I am grateful to the beloved people of Hambantota who elected me to the 10th Parliament, I bow in gratitude to the people across Sri Lanka who placed great trust in the National People’s Power and delivered a historic victory to change Sri Lankan politics. I extend my best wishes to all Members of the 10th Parliament.

¶ 02 Today is very important for all of us as Members of the 10th Parliament. The President has presented the Policy Statement, laying out a clear understanding for Parliament of the country’s future vision and plans. A Policy Statement clarifies the path and vision of a Government and country. However, I do not believe the Opposition treated that occasion with due respect. As in the past, disregarding the dignity and traditions of this House, they tried to turn it into a political debate to serve personal agendas. But the people gave us this mandate not because they accepted the narratives the Opposition is trying to build in society, but because they grasped a deeper political meaning.

¶ 03 Some Opposition MPs seem to forget that the suffering people face today is the result of the economic policies implemented during their time in power. This morning there was much talk about a rice shortage. It is true that in Hambantota town, Middeniya, Walasmulla, Tangalle, Matara and nearby areas there is a shortage of broken rice. But this shortage was not created by this Government. Those MPs who are raising these issues danced between shawls and jackets to secure ministerial posts, and the consequences of those decisions have now left people struggling even for rice. Our Government was formed only 14–15 days ago, and we formed it to solve people’s problems. Therefore, without heeding the Opposition’s rhetoric, we ask the people to give us a little time. We assure the people that this Government will follow a programme to resolve these issues and bring relief.

¶ 04 Some Opposition MPs tried to claim we are suppressing the media. Those MPs were part of regimes that murdered journalists and colluded with leaders of those regimes while eminent journalists of this country were killed. Today they come and talk about media suppression. No, the National People’s Power Government will not suppress the media. We have ensured space for anyone in this society to express views democratically. But if any media seeks to promote activities that incite racism or religious hatred, the law must apply. Even now, groups of 50, 75, 100 or 150 are protesting over media issues. Let me remind everyone: throughout history our political movement has struggled to establish democracy and media freedom. However, in the name of democracy and media freedom, if attempts are made to destroy national harmony and instill religious extremism, this Government will not allow it.

¶ 05 Some Members also said that justice should be done to Vimukthi and Yasodhara. Before Anura came to power, their mother—Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga—served as President of this country. Therefore, we believe that, as President, she ensured justice in relation to those matters, as reflected in statements and investigations commenced regarding certain incidents. Some Members are trying, within this House, to undermine the major development projects and the progressive path the National People’s Power Government intends to pursue. We will not allow that. We assure the more than 6.8 million who voted for us, as well as the millions who did not vote but wished for our victory, that we will realize the people’s dreams and not step back. That is our responsibility. This country has fallen and faced a great tragedy. Our only aim is to lift the country. The people’s aim aligns with the Government’s aim; with that alignment, the country will move forward well. The Opposition may be somewhat agitated, but we in the National People’s Power are not.

¶ 06 The President’s Policy Statement contains a major programme to strengthen the rural economy. We must take that forward. For decades the rural economy has been undermined. When agriculture is treated as the key instrument to strengthen the rural economy, note that after 1977 agriculture was weakened, and with that, the rural economy and people’s lives were impoverished. Education, health, and the entire social system in those families collapsed. When we strengthen the rural economy, we will place the greatest emphasis on the agri-industrial sector. We tell the people: the National People’s Power has formed a Government for the farmer. That farmer’s Government will build a strong agri-industry and strengthen the rural economy.

¶ 07 There are many issues tied to the rural economy. One is informal employment. About 75 percent of our people are in informal jobs, which are insecure and keep them poor. Across districts—Hambantota, Monaragala, and many others—the rural economy is in distress. Hambantota is a historic district that produced national leaders and had many Ministers over 30–40 years, yet today its rural people still struggle to meet basic needs. The same is true in Monaragala, Ratnapura, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and islandwide. We have a responsibility. Without the old failed politics, we must deliver with a fresh, dynamic programme. As a political movement, we understand this responsibility: to make people’s dreams real, create a beautiful and prosperous country, and the environment for a better life. With planning, dedication, and courage, we will steer development and, within five years, build a better country without taking a step back. Thank you, Madam Deputy Chairperson.