The Hon. Arun Hemachandra

¶ 01 Very well.

¶ 02 We were told further: “We expect that you will not send such people. If possible, please cancel the lists of those unsuitable persons already sent to our country.” Therefore, we see this sector as one that had comprehensively collapsed, and it needs a total transformation. The people have given us a mandate for that, and we are ready to move forward strongly. Especially with the Clean Sri Lanka programme and the accompanying digitalization initiative, we believe we can achieve a significant transformation.

¶ 03 We are in a decisive period, and we consider this debate on the Clean Sri Lanka programme very important. Some, however, without understanding the programme, focus solely on criticism. We cannot accept that. As a nation we faced diverse hardships: a massive economic crisis from which we are now gradually recovering, and a social crisis from which we are also recovering. Through the last two elections, the political crisis has been brought to an end. Now there is a Government with a people’s mandate that aligns with the aspirations of the people. Through the Clean Sri Lanka programme we want to take the country forward rapidly. We say “Clean Sri Lanka” because we must clean many unclean aspects—this is not just cleaning roads and drains. It is to cleanse politics, the environment, people’s thinking, and much more. Only through a holistic transformation will this programme succeed. We have inherited a country ruined for 76 years. Rebuilding such a country is not like flicking a switch from off to on. We have begun a long journey, changing spending patterns and introducing a new political culture.

¶ 04 I hold the position of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment—two key areas. We can now identify shortcomings that existed in these Ministries. Political appointments in the past hindered the country’s progress. Sometimes, in discussions with foreign diplomats, we were saddened by what we heard regarding politically appointed envoys and their inability to engage in proper negotiations; the foreign affairs sector had deteriorated. The Foreign Employment Ministry too became synonymous with allegations of corruption and fraud. We are now steadily reversing that and introducing changes. In particular, we will introduce a more transparent, comprehensive software framework at the Foreign Employment Bureau to drive the sector forward rapidly. We again request your support. If you cannot support, at least do not obstruct.

¶ 05 We now have an opportunity to realize what we have dreamt of for years. We invite everyone to join hands. May all have strength and courage to do so. I conclude. Thank you.