The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the Opposition imagines our democratic Government will abuse emergency as past regimes did. This is not so. Since proclamation, many protests—some even in front of the Presidential Secretariat—have taken place. Not once have we used emergency to suppress people. Within two months we managed one of the gravest natural disasters in our history. Over 1,400 sites experienced landslides; we have restored lives to near normalcy.

¶ 02 We are rebuilding Sri Lanka—Rebuilding Sri Lanka was our Independence Day theme—uniting the nation. The economy has been stabilized and 2025 indicators have improved; the Opposition is silent on that. Development has resumed with high physical and financial progress across districts.

¶ 03 Some try to stoke communalism; this Government will not allow it. The Opposition’s accusations have fallen flat.

¶ 04 The Opposition Leader recently told Development Officers he would “write it in blood.” It reminded me of “my word is the circular.” A country is governed not only by the Constitution but also by service statutes—the Teachers’ Service Statute and others. The Opposition Leader effectively said laws and statutes don’t matter, he will break them and “write in blood.” Does he even know the difference between A/L and primary classes for which he threatens to write in blood? Such clowning diminishes the office he holds.

¶ 05 He also toured shelters with a notebook, recording matters. I ask him to table that report so we can address any gaps.

¶ 06 On education reforms, the Opposition’s “bag man”—their media spokesman—claimed we opposed reforms through history. We opposed only attempts to privatize education and cut state responsibility. Our reforms strengthen state responsibility and create pathways for every child—rich or poor, urban or rural—based on ability and talent. Opposing that and calling it “vulgarization” backfired, which is why the Opposition Leader now says they did not oppose.

¶ 07 The Opposition Leader now faces a struggle to retain his leadership, with rivals circling. We wish him a long tenure—on the Opposition benches.

¶ 08 As for Namal Rajapaksa’s theatrics—turning up with crowds at the CID—his supporters start weeping online days in advance, then arrive saying they just came to see “Namal” and “Siriliya.” Meanwhile, arrests continue: today, Chamithri Rambukwella has been arrested by the Bribery Commission. The public’s criticism is not that we are not prosecuting, but that it is not fast enough. Still, many have been convicted or are on trial: former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Pramodaya have received 20–25 year sentences; Chief Minister S. M. Ranjith and a relative are in custody; Ranil Wickremesinghe is on bail over misappropriation of Rs. 16 million of state funds; Kheliya Rambukwella and family face cases; Douglas Devananda was remanded; Chamara Sampath boasts of five cases; Lakshman Yapa faces a bribery case; Namal Rajapaksa’s “Krrish” case is due on the 16th; more will follow; Rajitha Senaratne is on bail over the Dikowita Port case; Chandrani Bandara is on bail. We proceed legally through the courts, without political interference. The pace may not match public expectations, but we will honour the trust placed in us—strengthening the economy, advancing development to the villages, curbing communalism, and uniting the nation. Thank you.