The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we discuss several important matters today, including regulations under a sports law and the President’s relief package.

¶ 02 On the Financing Facilities Development Act: the Government came to power promising “A prosperous nation – a beautiful life.” Yet by increasing taxes and cost of living, people have not received a beautiful life.

¶ 03 They say the Treasury is flush and the country rich. But what relief has reached the people? Hiru News posted “President brings a relief package to Parliament.” Even before his speech ended, public reactions showed 3,800 “Haha” and only 1,100 “Likes”—reflecting public trust.

¶ 04 Previously, when the President spoke here about the “Ditsa” cyclone, people thought all issues would be solved, with Rs. 1 million promised even for a roof slab. Who actually received Rs. 1 million? How many houses were built? Many still cannot rent houses; some are prohibited from returning due to landslides and floods and were promised rent for only one month. Now they have no rent or housing. The President said Rs. 5,000 crore (Rs. 50 billion) has been provided, but where did it go?

¶ 05 On “mechanisms”: an earlier Minister said not a single relative would give even Rs. 1,000 by phone; now he boasts he can raise Rs. 500,000 in one call from 100 people. They have developed their own mechanisms—within 18 months building multi-storey luxury houses. Why not adapt these “mechanisms” to rebuild the country and end the 76-year curse? Saying it came from selling mango orchards is unconvincing—why sell only after getting ministerial office?

¶ 06 About agriculture: promised increases largely fall under the Rs. 5,000-increased fertilizer subsidy. Fuel prices are up; though some fuel is now available via Agrarian Service Centres, ploughing costs have risen from about Rs. 20,000 per acre to Rs. 28,000–30,000. Promised 20 kg per weeding is insufficient. There is no confidence about when the additional Rs. 5,000 will be paid. The second tranche of last season’s subsidy was delayed; many still have not received it. Farmers lack trust in fertilizer delivery, and only 20 kg has actually been given so far in many places.

¶ 07 Prices of all goods are up, but farm-gate prices have not risen accordingly. The Government’s meddling in keeri samba and samba last time pushed farmers away from them; now most cultivated nadu. Now samba prices are rising and imports are being allowed despite prior vows never to import even a grain. Nadu farmers have nothing to show.

¶ 08 In education, A/L results are out. North Central Province ranked ninth; within it, Thambuttegama Zone—where the President comes from—ranked seventh. Yet in that zone, lorries of illicit liquor are seized frequently. Are you promoting liquor there? Teachers in difficult schools have not received promised hardship allowances. People face a bleak fate in the President’s own province.

¶ 09 The relief package covers only a segment; large numbers including public servants and workers remain under pressure as all prices have risen. The package cannot cover everyone in need. Trust is lacking. In recent times we saw “the shot of the day” from the Government; now “the shout of the day” contests will begin. Thank you.