The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you. On Clean Sri Lanka, I must note a major problem at its very start: clashes with three-wheeler drivers and private bus owners. A three-wheeler may be small, but to its owner it is like a Benz — they love and maintain it, adding accessories with pride. Starting the programme by provoking them hurt its very purpose.

¶ 02 You now have maximum power to make necessary changes. You also claimed you would end the rice mafia. That attempt stalled at discussion level and stopped. Begin by cleaning up the rice mafia within Clean Sri Lanka. Likewise, address other mafias, including at the Ceylon Electricity Board. Solar system approvals are unreasonably delayed — a huge problem for people and the country.

¶ 03 On passports: at the start, the primary issue was the long queues. True, the queues have disappeared now, but appointments are five to six months later — that is not a solution. People still seek help to expedite. Please fix this immediately.

¶ 04 On Customs: while clearing backlogs, trade unions allege that over 300 containers were released without proper checks. If so, do you know what entered — cash, drugs, weapons? You cannot assure us now. Yet you announce seizures of heroin and ice — but what if contraband slipped through those releases?

¶ 05 Finally, if Clean Sri Lanka is to mean anything, “clean” the truth about the Easter Sunday attacks. Victims still suffer. Reveal who was behind it — then you can claim success. Do not harass three-wheeler drivers and bus owners — address the real priorities. Thank you.