The Hon. Aruna Panagoda

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you. Considering the current war situation and hardships, and the coming festive season, the President has introduced a relief package. The Opposition Leader mocks it. But when they were in Government and crises arose, they did not share their wealth or give relief; they told people to tighten belts.

¶ 02 When introducing these measures, we considered giving opportunities and facilities to investors and bringing those who avoided the tax net back in, strengthening revenue. This is not a new tax system but proposals already linked to the Budget. Previously, indirect taxes burdened people while direct taxes were minimal; friends were allowed to bypass the net. We aim to strengthen administration, bring evaders into the system and then give relief.

¶ 03 In the past, investors left faster than they came, due to ministerial interference and commissions. Even the Japanese Ambassador once complained to the President about commission demands. Now we focus on the rule of law, eliminating corruption and commissions to encourage investment. Recall: under your time, the economy was so bankrupt that we lacked paper to print ballot papers.

¶ 04 Today, despite obstacles and prayers by some for disasters, we are rebuilding step by step. The President has presented a relief package exceeding Rs. 100 billion to manage the festive period—fertilizer support for farmers, support for fishers, and relief for low-income groups. We thank him.