The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees, first, we express deep sorrow at the passing of Dhanigala Mahabandara, the Sudda Wannilaetto, who dedicated himself to the indigenous Rathugala Veddah community, safeguarding Sri Lanka’s aboriginal heritage, culture, and identity. His demise is an irreparable loss to Rathugala and the nation. May he attain Nibbana.

¶ 02 Turning to public security, when the Minister outlined relief for those affected by the “Ditva” disaster, I wondered if he spoke from the ground or from the clouds. He mentioned Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 grants. Tell us: how many households with structural damage received Rs. 1 million? For destroyed houses, you said Rs. 500,000—how many were paid? Where land and house both were lost, you said Rs. 10 million—how many received this? Moragahakanda bridge remains broken; many bridges are damaged and unrepaired. Rail services to Nuwara Eliya have not yet been restored.

¶ 03 While public security is in force, you failed to protect the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance. US$ 250 million were lost. Tell us the current state of our cyber security. How many days since the incident? COPF convened and discussed it, but the live telecast was stopped. Why hide it? Why are the Secretary to the Treasury’s answers to COPF being concealed? I request that they be released publicly, even today.

¶ 04 Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has stated that, in addition to the US$ 250 million, the Department of Posts lost another US$ 6 million. What happened to those funds?

¶ 05 You doubled harvest relief in several districts. If that is policy, then double it for all remaining 23 districts as well.

¶ 06 You spoke on fertilizer. Tell us truthfully: is there a shortage of Urea, TSP, and MOP? There are serious supply gaps and no answers yet. I propose that COPF’s proceedings and recordings on the US$ 250 million be made public. The Chair is willing—let the government majority allow it.

¶ 07 You have agreed with the IMF to remove CESS and PAL, affecting around 2,600 HS codes. This directly hurts domestic industry and producers. You plan complete removal from 2026–2029. Is this your patriotic, country-first governance?

¶ 08 You answered our questions, and we thank you. But when I raise these as Opposition Leader, the Government Chief Organizer Bimal Ratnayake said in this Chamber that Sajith Premadasa opposes increases to estate community wages and benefits, and that I complained to the Bribery Commission against such increases. What lies!

¶ 09 We raise these issues because of a wave of violence against the Malaiyaha community: starting at Kahawatte, Neelagama Estate; then Maskeliya’s Mocha Estate; then Delmar Estate in Nuwara Eliya. This is a pattern of oppression and violence. The government must send a clear message to plantation management and owners: you cannot trample on or abuse the estate people. No such directive has gone out yet. Rallies and rhetoric in Nuwara Eliya will not suffice; ensure the protection and empowerment of the estate community.

¶ 10 On passports, you stated nothing improper occurred. Today media reports say the Polish Government has complained to the European Union. If so, engage diplomatically with Poland and report to Parliament whether such a complaint exists.

¶ 11 On fertilizer, you say relief will be given, but people ask: when lower-cost fertilizer could be bought from Kazakhstan, why procure at higher prices from Oman? One side says no fertilizer; the other side pays higher prices. Is this just or fair?

¶ 12 As Minister of Public Security, protect the Treasury, the Central Bank, and the people’s tax money. Make public the COPF discussions on the US$ 250 million loss.

¶ 13 It is shameful that some government members on COPF cast aspersions on Chairman Harsha de Silva. If there is no confidence, hold a vote and remove him—do not suppress the video. Please ensure justice for the country and its people.