Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake

¶ 01 Especially on matters important to sport in our country: the Order under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, the Social Security Contribution Levy (Amendment) Bill related to the economy, the Order under the Financing Facilities Development Act, and the Rules under the Monetary Law (Central Bank of Sri Lanka). We are prepared to have these approved by this Parliament today.

¶ 02 Speaking on sport, today we expect to approve the Order on Prohibited Substances published by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2471/51 of 2026.01.16 under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, which was presented on 2026.03.17.

¶ 03 Many of our sportsmen and sportswomen have conquered the world. Competing globally, they have brought glory to Sri Lanka, including our own Hon. Deputy Minister Sugu Thilakaratne in this House whom we proudly speak of. Yet, in 76 years of history, we have failed to give them the best support. Though many could reach the world stage, we as a country have not intervened well. As a Government, we intend to better develop this responsibility and strengthen interventions for athletes through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

¶ 04 These laws have been globally adopted. The Act was approved 13 years ago, in 2013, as Act No. 33 of 2013, the Convention against Doping in Sport Act. Historically, some sought artificial stimulation rather than fair play, and once identified, we legislated to prevent it. These rules operate worldwide and now function well in Sri Lanka. Each year, a list of prohibited stimulants is prepared and published in three languages.

¶ 05 A new generation of world-beating athletes is emerging. Nurturing these seedlings is a responsibility of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Many events, such as javelin and discus, are progressing well in our country.

¶ 06 The Opposition spoke about cricket. I believe Government intervention is also needed there, and the whole country accepts that a change from the current system is required. Sri Lankans love cricket; many live for it. We believe cricket must change and develop, free from undue influence, bringing in good players and taking them forward properly.

¶ 07 The Order under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act will be approved today. We believe this will greatly benefit future Sri Lankan athletes.

¶ 08 Regarding taxes, the Opposition raised many views on the Amendment Bill. We have not introduced any new taxes that imposed pressure on the public in the recent past. But as we move forward as a developing nation and transact with the world, new tax policies, laws and circulars must be adopted. Some in the Opposition try to misinterpret and prepare to claim that tax measures will devastate the people. In the recent period we gave the maximum possible relief. Some who could not save even a goat now claim the country is in ruin, prices are soaring, people cannot live, and taxes are crushing the public. With respect, you are wrong. A year and a half ago when we took over, this was not the beautiful country you describe. People could not live. Beggars’ funds had to be collected from India to keep Sri Lankans alive under your rule. We have changed that and built a better economic environment.

¶ 09 We must remind you we are steering this country to a more stable direction. Within a year and a half, like weathering a great storm, we faced calamities and rebuilt within months. Merely urging us to cut prices or provide more relief shows a lack of understanding. The Opposition keeps advising to reduce prices and create a livable order. We are creating jobs and proceeding.