The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 Thank you for the opportunity, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees.

¶ 02 A Member representing Kurunegala spoke before me. I regret some of his concluding remarks. Clearly, the present situation is very unfortunate. The President came to Parliament and announced certain reliefs—good, reliefs are needed. But I recall four months ago he came here and spoke about assistance to those affected by the “Ditsa” cyclone. Government Members present here can state what real progress has been made on providing relief for damaged houses and other needs. On housing, progress seems minimal—perhaps not even 10% of the pledges fulfilled. Even if only a wall fell, Rs. 1 million was promised. I pray that what was announced today will not similarly falter.

¶ 03 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, poverty among low-income earners has increased. By any metric, poverty has risen beyond 30%. The lower middle class and even public servants have become poor. A Member said public sector salaries were increased by 70%. Then why can’t they live a month on their pay? With Sinhala and Tamil New Year near, public servants are under great pressure—these are the people who gave you 80% of your votes. Problems exist across all sectors.

¶ 04 You spoke of a production economy. What has been done? You only raise taxes again and again. In addition to VAT, an extra 5% on some goods. Small and medium enterprises are suffering. With Middle East tensions, India and Bangladesh face issues, but you have raised fuel prices faster; gas and electricity bills too have risen. Production costs have increased and no real relief has reached manufacturers.

¶ 05 SMEs struggled even during COVID-19. Your Government shows no plan to aid them now. When producers and manufacturers fall, jobs are lost. Merely filling the Treasury will not solve these issues. Your programme does not equip the country to properly face this situation.

¶ 06 On coal, the President accepted that low-quality coal was involved. The Government Chief Whip called it a “coal scandal.” Bringing in coal that could not generate appropriate electricity during an energy crisis has imposed a heavy cost on the people and caused losses of billions. And now power cuts are happening. This morning it was discussed here; the Minister said cuts are announced, but in Kurunegala and Colombo yesterday, power was cut without warning—even during a meeting at the Opposition Leader’s office. The Government has failed to manage the situation. All communities are suffering. Farmers lack timely fertilizer; vegetable and potato farmers cannot sell at fair prices. The people are left helpless. Shouting at the Opposition or criticizing the Opposition Leader will not help; he speaks for the people.

¶ 07 As Government, you hold more than a two-thirds power. Implement a programme that sustains livelihoods. As the main Opposition, led by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, we will cooperate to reduce people’s hardships. Unlike you previously—who took to the streets, shut offices and factories, called strikes, and spoke of burning Parliament—we will not do so. We recognize the people’s pain. We come from among the people, not on a wave. Do not mislead the people; instead, prepare a programme that helps them live.