The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to participate in this debate on the Clean Sri Lanka program. Many views have been expressed; I believe the message has not been properly socialized. Therefore, I wish to read here a note by my friend Mr. Krishantha Kure, a member of the Presidential Task Force: “For the first time in history, Sri Lankans have set aside populism, nationalism and religiosity to unite in a principled journey to rebuild their beloved island; Clean Sri Lanka is the first sign of that... Clean Sri Lanka reflects a citizen responsibility to transform the country. Its aim is to provide answers to improve ethical conduct, a cleaner physical environment, and nationwide moral commitment.”

¶ 02 Conceptually, we should all support this program. You took office after an Aragalaya during political and economic instability, with poverty rising by 20 per cent over 2019–2020 and the middle class sliding down. The people will judge you by your actions—what you promise and what vision you offer: a country free of corruption, a strong economy, sustainable development and system change. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Any achievement starts with a simple step.

¶ 03 I thank the President’s Government for bringing this concept. But after the President announced it, the three-wheeler brothers and bus owners did not support it due to how it was socialized—on day one, the Police began removing unnecessary parts from three-wheelers and buses. This is a communications issue.

¶ 04 Clean Sri Lanka must treat everyone equally. Economically, the middle class has been devastated. The poor cannot access microfinance or relief, but large entities get millions of loans written off. Loan sharks profit from the poor. We must eradicate loan sharks and provide concessional credit to ordinary people.

¶ 05 This program must not operate in ways that hurt the people. More than enforcing law, we must change minds. Look at Singapore: people do not litter because love for country is ingrained, not just fear of law. We must build a Sri Lankan mindset that loves the country through Clean Sri Lanka, and this requires equity.

¶ 06 Our justice system takes 10–20 years; Magisterial to appellate stages alone can take two decades. There are major issues in civil cases. Citizens do not want to go to court. It is not only about judges; look at the framework and facilities—there are vast shortcomings. The Police also lack facilities. We speak of law: does the Police have resources? The Attorney General’s Department also faces shortages; many officers have gone to the private sector. Provide the necessary resources and staff to enforce the legal framework—this too is a responsibility under Clean Sri Lanka.

¶ 07 Economically, do not look at investors with suspicion. Without investment—domestic and foreign—no capital development is possible. Be investor-friendly. Clean Sri Lanka means working for a better future for all; without economic and social change, we cannot achieve it.

¶ 08 Corruption deters investors; I commend steps to minimize it. Other countries encourage investment; we must act anew and make Clean Sri Lanka a robust program.

¶ 09 If you are in Government, do not talk every day about the Opposition’s faults. You were appointed to take the country forward. Prepare a proper program and avoid looking at the Opposition with suspicion; they too have ideas. Clean Sri Lanka is a great national asset; make the Opposition partners. You cannot do this journey alone; socialization requires everyone.

¶ 10 You achieved a significant victory with MPs even in the North and East; no national party had that earlier. You can bring real change. The question is whether you give the people a promise or a dream; turning that dream into a fulfilled promise is your responsibility.

¶ 11 Let us look at bureaucracy. As former Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government, I know Ministers exercise power through officials. But see the Municipal and Pradeshiya Sabha Acts: Mayors and Chairmen have authority to approve plans. Consider whether that creates problems and space for corruption. I have presented amendments earlier. With local elections approaching, I kindly request you to enact the necessary laws to increase efficiency and reduce corruption in local authorities.