The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. We have devoted two full days to debate a vital topic that can shape the country’s future positively: the Clean Sri Lanka program.

¶ 02 One might ask whether the past was “dirty Sri Lanka.” I believe every past Government contributed various elements towards a cleaner Sri Lanka, achieving many gains.

¶ 03 We must recall the period when former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa served as Defence Secretary. We all know the state of Colombo then: an unpleasant city where none could breathe freely. During his tenure, Colombo was transformed into a beautiful, vibrant city—one of the best globally.

¶ 04 So, like him, different Governments have contributed to the Clean Sri Lanka concept. How do we make this a reality today? If we take the good from various Governments and carry them forward in new programs, we can realize this.

¶ 05 Not long ago, it was hard to travel by bus or be in public places due to open smoking. Due to measures by past Governments, we can now travel and use public places better. Issues around betel stains and posters were also addressed. These collective measures underpin Clean Sri Lanka.

¶ 06 We now see the program physically, but we must go beyond. If we can first make Parliament itself clean in thought—building consensus—this will be valuable. If we can stop mutual accusations and instead bring proposals to move this concept forward, we can succeed.

¶ 07 If Clean Sri Lanka can remove the privilege that MPs can say anything in Parliament without consequence and cannot be brought before courts for it, that would create a more credible Parliament in which Members have responsibility for their words, reducing mistrust, hostility and distance among us.

¶ 08 Yesterday and today, we presented various proposals to make this program succeed. Meanwhile, the Government side keeps blaming the past 76 years. But you are now the Government. When we raise issues like electricity, you blame former Governments. If we wanted, we could counter by raising 1988–89 atrocities. But I believe we should not take Parliament there. Let us set aside accusations and focus on the subject, gather ideas and implement the program together.

¶ 09 If we can make Parliament such a place, we can better serve the people. We must limit space for petty and privilege-based accusations and take Parliament forward positively.

¶ 10 Under Clean Sri Lanka, we again saw various media shows about services local authorities should already provide. Let us move beyond that and work conceptually together; we in the Opposition are ready to join.

¶ 11 We have a President who said he would work “with a stroke of the pen.” I believe he will act. For how to work with a stroke of a pen, he can take an example from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

¶ 12 Finally, I must say: the Government side is acting with hatred towards former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, making accusations out of arrogance. The people will not approve. One wonders whether this is to ingratiate with certain groups—Tamil extremists or former LTTE activists—based on past promises, by mentally harassing him. There is public opposition to this; do not turn it into a broader social anger. You got power to govern and implement programs; proceed accordingly. Thank you.