The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera

¶ 01 There is no point of order in that.

¶ 02 On Mahaweli—yes, there are good things. But I meant your lack of action on renewable energy. You could have done that.

¶ 03 We also keep hearing that poverty is at 80% and that rulers managed the country by stamping their names on bananas while people suffered. We accept poverty must be reduced; we are acting to do so.

¶ 04 On media freedom, attempts were made today to attack our Media Minister. We are a Government that protects media freedom. In 2019 and earlier, Lasantha was murdered; Frederica Jansz was threatened and driven out with her children; Poddala Jayantha was abducted and assaulted; Keith Noyahr abducted; in 2011, Sirasa was bombed. Those responsible now lecture on media freedom. Statements in this House are one thing, but those with a record of protecting media freedom may advise; we are ready to listen.

¶ 05 On power sector management: the CEB reportedly needs only 12,000–13,000 staff, yet it was increased to 27,000 and now reduced to 23,000. Top-level management is insufficient while lower levels are overstaffed, filled politically from certain districts. That is why institutions incur losses.

¶ 06 Economynext.com reports the CEB incurred Rs. 413 billion in losses due to political decisions to subsidize energy off-budget and failure to seek tariff revisions as the rupee fell and costs rose. This is the record.

¶ 07 We are moving to ensure energy security and broaden access to renewables. For national economic development, we have allocated over Rs. 23 billion recurrent and Rs. 22 billion capital expenditure and are taking necessary steps.

¶ 08 Globally, according to IRENA, fossil fuels accounted for about 77% in 2022 and will fall to 12% by 2050; renewables were 23% in 2022 and will rise to 81% by 2050. There is a vast space for renewables.

¶ 09 “The Island” of 14 May 2025 said: “The future energy carrier will be green hydrogen produced by solar and wind power, which are available in great abundance for us. Throughout the world, a GH revolution is taking place.” It also says we are “sitting on a goldmine.” We are moving to harness this renewable energy space.

¶ 10 Thank you.