The Hon. Athula Welandagoda

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, by now, weighing the points from both Government and Opposition on the Clean Sri Lanka programme, it is clear the aim is to overcome economic, social and cultural problems and build a developed, beautiful and prosperous country. That was our campaign theme too. Presenting such a programme is commendable and timely.

¶ 02 However, we face serious challenges in understanding and communicating it. From the Opposition’s criticisms, it is evident that no matter how much we explain, some here do not grasp it—showing how challenging implementation will be. Yesterday, Hon. Rohana Bandara spoke at length about removing accessories from buses and three-wheelers, asking if we are going to beat buses with sticks like in Pakistan; asked whether funds would be diverted to Divisional Councils; and whether MPs would be reduced to cleaning drains and toilets. From this we see we will not get the constructive support we hoped for. The Opposition has a duty to point out shortcomings constructively; that is not what we now see.

¶ 03 During the election, we set out a comprehensive policy renewal across all sectors for a system change. Despite media noise over trivialities like rice and coconuts, the people gave us a five-year mandate to change the country. A Task Force has been appointed under the President. We request that it frame the programme so that every institution and sector can accept it, and that it be popularized down to grassroots.

¶ 04 In my Hambantota District, we won the Tissamaharama Pradeshiya Sabha twenty years ago without State power, by implementing similar programmes: “Let us cross the lake” for children; preschool programmes; teacher appreciation initiatives; floral projects; and one of the most successful local government solid waste recycling programmes—creating an agro-market, using organic compost to support production, and providing pesticide-free produce. We addressed heavy tourist litter at Tissamaharama, Yala, Kataragama and Kirinda by improving infrastructure and systems, making Tissamaharama one of the best local authorities in Sri Lanka, winning top awards multiple times and being re-elected.

¶ 05 Therefore, none of this is new to us. We have plans and experience, and a popular mandate. Using that mandate, we will lift the country, restoring dignity and acceptance as a society. Tourists reveal our attitudinal gaps; we will address them with order, values and proper systems—not by beating buses. We will treat every wound in the national body and take necessary policy decisions without fear, with the people’s approval. We will not turn back. Together with the people, we will implement every needed policy decision to build a beautiful country. Thank you.