The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees,

¶ 02 From the Opposition’s speeches today, it is clear where they are trapped: they claim we extend Emergency to push corruption. Yet after 16 months in office, Sri Lanka has improved by 14 places on the Corruption Perceptions Index, as per independent research. We are moving forward by rejecting corruption.

¶ 03 We extend Emergency not to suppress anyone, but because of the November disaster’s continuing aftermath. Even today, there are 17 relief centres sheltering affected families: in Badulla, 615 families (1,777 persons); in Nuwara Eliya, 383 families (1,142 persons) across 16 centres; in Kegalle, 136 families in 7 centres. We still need to locate land for some displaced families; Emergency helps expedite land acquisition, relief and rebuilding.

¶ 04 The Opposition clings to the President’s “hunduwa” remark to spin politics. They are upset because today the law is enforced and thieves are punished. They seek to form a government and seize the presidency by twisting words. We, in 16 months, have stabilized the national economy and are now confidently navigating even a war‑clouded world with a proud, non‑aligned, humanitarian posture.

¶ 05 We have not used Emergency to suppress protests or democracy. When issues arose—fuel queues, fishermen’s protests—solutions were found through dialogue led by the President and line ministers. We did not use Emergency to crack down.

¶ 06 As for agriculture, we are in the harvest season. The Paddy Marketing Board and Agriculture Ministry are purchasing paddy at Rs. 120 per kilo (Nadu), Rs. 130 (Samba) and Rs. 140 (Keeri Samba), ensuring farmers are not exploited. Private market prices have also moved up. Our policy is that every citizen should live with dignity.

¶ 07 Through “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” we are restoring homes and infrastructure. Emergency helps to acquire land swiftly where needed and to accelerate relief delivery. The world is recognizing Sri Lanka and our President; that delivers daily blows to the Opposition’s false narratives. We invite the Opposition to extend at least minimal cooperation.