The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, as many have said, this 10th Parliament is special—not merely because a new group occupied vacant seats after a change of Government, but because this Parliament is filled with the hopes of the people, especially those millions who, through social engagement, yearned for change. It is also a Parliament imbued with the expectations of countless citizens whose aspirations for a better life and society have been repeatedly suppressed by corrupt ruling elites. This did not arise overnight, nor was it built by a single individual. Visible and invisible hands joined to create this Parliament of expectations, including the hopes of those who sometimes joined and sometimes stepped away—and even the hopes of those who sacrificed their lives.

¶ 02 This Parliament is filled with the aspirations of people from North and South, East and West. Although at times people were divided by local politics, religion, or ethnicity, they have rejected those divisions and, as Sri Lankans, united to make a new country and a new life. We saw especially the hopes of the North and East; but we must not forget that the fragrance of those hopes resides in the hearts of the South as well. For example, in Matara District, Tamils form about 2.6 percent of the population, yet around 148,000 people voted—thinking as Sri Lankans beyond ethnic and religious lines—to elect a Dravidian woman as their representative from Matara. Likewise, in Matara, though Muslims are about 3.1 percent, people set aside divisions and elected a Muslim brother as their parliamentary representative. Should we not value and protect such expressions of will? Therefore, any attempt—however small the group—to sharpen religious or ethnic divisions and create social instability must be defeated. As a Government, especially as the National People’s Power, we will act to defeat it.

¶ 03 We also give an assurance to political parties working for progressive politics, to professional bodies and trade unions advancing professional dignity, pride, and fair rights, and to civil organizations and individuals working for a just society: we will not use repressive laws to suppress your just and democratic voices.

¶ 04 We may have ideological differences—on politics, the economy, international affairs. Even so, we are ready, as a Government, to agree to disagree while working together where possible. Those seated to your right did not come to Parliament for vehicles, posts, and privileges. Some, even in their youth, knowingly chose principled politics and a hard life to build a better country and society. Among them are women who, as mothers and elder sisters, set aside family obligations with their families’ blessings to serve full-time in politics for a better Sri Lanka. This is a group that has not only been willing to forgo positions and perks but has demonstrated it in action.

¶ 05 Finally, let me say this:

¶ 06 “Pessimists complain that rose bushes have thorns; optimists see roses on thorny bushes.” —attributed to Abraham Lincoln.

¶ 07 And another saying:

¶ 08 “Many things end where many things begin. Yet their true meaning takes a long time to see. Even if we have nothing to protect, we still have tomorrow to behold. Let us strive for it.”

¶ 09 Thank you for the time, Madam Deputy Chairperson.